Tunisia opposition chief hit by anti-terror probe ahead of key vote

The leader of Tunisia's Islamist-inspired opposition party Ennahdha was questioned and then allowed to go free by an anti-terror unit, just days before a controversial constitutional referendum.

After a "more than nine-hour" session and "19 defence speeches" requested by lawyers, Rached Ghannouchi left the anti-terror centre and headed home, his lawyer and former Ennahdha official Samir Dilou said on Facebook.

Dilou said the anti-terror unit had allowed Ghannouchi freedom of movement, while another lawyer said the politician was not the subject of "judicial control measures".

Ghannouchi's supporters had feared he would be arrested after being questioned.

More than 20 security vans were stationed in front of the headquarters of the anti-terror centre, where scores of Ennahdha activists were gathered in support of their leader, correspondents said.

Supporters chanted Ghannouchi's name as he entered the building, making the victory sign and waving placards.

"Stop political trials", one read, written in both English and Arabic.

Ghannouchi, 81, has been under investigation since June amid allegations of corruption and money laundering linked to transfers from abroad to the charity Namaa Tunisia, affiliated with Ennahdha.

As part of the same investigation, Tunisian authorities last month arrested former prime minister and one-time Ennahda leader Hamadi Jebali for alleged money-laundering.