The World - News from Oct. 9, 1987

Two Muslim fundamentalists were hanged in Tunis after President Habib Bourguiba ignored appeals for a pardon and threats against Tunisian leaders if the death sentences were carried out. The Justice Ministry said that Mehrez Boudegga, 25, and Boulbaba Dekhil, 24, were executed at the prison where they had been held. The two were condemned to death Sept. 27 after a monthlong trial of 90 fundamentalists, mostly members of the outlawed Islamic Tendency Movement. All were accused of trying to topple Bourguiba’s pro-Western government and replace it with an Islamic state. Other sentences ranged from two to 20 years, with one life sentence. Fourteen of the defendants were acquitted.