(UTV|COLOMBO) – A Tunisian court has released a presidential candidate days before he is due to stand in Sunday’s second round of national elections.
A Tunis appeals court annulled the detention order for Nabil Karoui, who was arrested last month on charges of money laundering and tax fraud.
The 56-year-old media mogul was still able to stand for president, and came second in last month’s first round.
Critics say Mr Karoui’s detention has damaged the election’s credibility.
It is Tunisia’s second free presidential poll since the 2011 uprising that toppled ex-President Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali and sparked the Arab Spring.
Despite his release late on Wednesday, Mr Karoui is still facing charges – which he denies. No date has been set for a final verdict.
Tunisia’s electoral commission has said that if Mr Karoui loses Sunday’s election he could appeal the result as he has not been allowed a fair campaign.
