(TAP) - The investigating judge at the Judicial Counter-terrorism Division in charge of Noureddine Bhiri's case turned down a request to suspend the examination of the case file.

The defence was notified, Spokesperson for the division Hanène Gaddes told TAP on Thursday.

Bhiri, Ennahdha leader and former minister of justice, is accused of "forging and delivering Tunisian cityizenship documents and passports to foreigners."

Gaddes told TAP last January 18 the investigating judge in charge of the case did not suspend the examination of the case file "contrary to what is being said. "

"Hence, the judge is not entitled to wait for a judgement to be delivered by the Administrative Court on an appeal for misuse of power filed by Bhiri's defence collective to issue a ruling," she added. The office of the investigating judge rules on the merits and validity of the defence's request."