The Tunisian government has launched what it says is an unprecedented campaign against corruption, arresting eight businessmen May 23 and confiscating their property.

In one case, however, the government went well beyond allegations of corruption: One of the men, Chafik Jarraya, was referred to the military judiciary May 26 for alleged treason, breaching state security and being at the disposal of a foreign army — a crime punishable by execution. Jarraya’s lawyer, Faisal al-Jadalawi, said in a press statement June 1 that the accusations against his client have no legal grounds and can be classified as political score-settling.

The other accused men are Munji Bin Rabah, Kamal Bin Ghulam Faraj, Yassine Chennoufi, Nejib Bin Ismail, Ali al-Qaryawi, Munzir Juneih and Hilal Bin Massoud.

Some members of the public and several political parties and civil society organizations declared their alignment with the government. However, some Tunisians worry that the government engineered the campaign merely to garner public support following protests last month in Tataouine during which a young man was run over and killed by a police car. Also, citizens have been protesting a proposed law that would grant amnesty to those accused of corruption under the administration of President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali, who was overthrown in 2011.