Court sentences Tunisian president to 35 years in jail

Ousted Tunisian President Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali and his wife Leila have been sentenced to 35 years in prison.

The couple, who left the country for Saudi Arabia after January's popular uprising, were tried in absentia this week.

The Tunisian court last night ordered the pair to pay a €46m fine.

A verdict on charges relating to illegal possession of drugs and weapons are expected on June 30.