Ben Ali and his family fled the north African country on January 14 last year and is now in Saudi Arabia. He was sentenced to life last month in a civil court and Tunisia has now requested his extradition from Saudi Arabia. In all, 338 people lost their lives before the regime fell. Thursday's hearing also handed down prison terms ranging from five to 20 years to the former interior minister, Ben Ali's security chief and 38 other officials of the old regime. However three defendants had charges against them dropped. More about: Jail, Justice, Tunisia, Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali