(Ahlul Bayt News Agency) - The trial, Ben Ali's second since his ouster, opened in a rather dramatic manner as his defense lawyers walked out after their request for a postponement in hearing was denied.
The case was due to have started last week, but was postponed because of a strike by judges.
The conviction in absentia comes as Ben Ali and his wife were sentenced to 35 years in prison after a Tunisian court found them guilty of embezzlement and other charges last month.
The fallen dictator is also due to face a separate trial in a military court on charges of manslaughter and conspiracy against the state.
Ben Ali's regime collapsed on January 14 after weeks of protests.
An election has been called for July 24 to choose a national assembly that will rewrite the constitution.
Human rights groups say dozens of Tunisian protesters were killed in the government crackdown.
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