Ben Ali received the life sentence in abstentia for involvement in the murdering of 43 protesters before he was toppled by a popular revolt last February, a judge for the Tunis military court said on Thursday.
Hedi Ayari said the former dictator was tried with around 40 of his former officials, including the former head of presidential security, General Ali Seriati, who received a 20-year prison term.
Former Interior Minister Rafik Belhaj Kacem was sentenced to 15 years, while charges were dropped against Ahmed Friaa, another former interior minister.
MRS/HJL