A Tunisian court has sentenced former President Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali and his wife Leila to 35 years in jail for embezzlement and misusing public funds.
The couple, who fled to Saudi Arabia in January after a popular uprising, were also fined US$66m.
The one-day trial in absentia focused on US$27m of cash and jewels reportedly found inside one of their palaces.
A second case concerning Ben Ali only, which relates to the possession of drugs and weapons, was postponed.
Ben Ali's lawyer said the verdict was politically motivated and "a joke".
The BBC's Jon Leyne in Tunis says it is unlikely that Saudi Arabia will allow the couple to be extradited.
BBC
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