In the coastal resort of Hammamet, looters trashed Mr Materi's villa and slaughtered his pet tiger.

ECONOMIST: Tunisia

Most prominent is her brother, Belhassen Trabelsi, and her son-in-law, Muhammad Sakher el-Materi, both of whom she fiercely protects.

ECONOMIST: Another meaningless election

But the permit was issued because it believed Materi would not receive justice in his home nation, according to AFP news agency.

BBC: Tunisia Ben Ali son-in-law granted asylum in Seychelles

Materi, along with his wife and their three children, have now been granted a 12-month residence permit in the Seychelles, according to its immigration department.

BBC: Tunisia Ben Ali son-in-law granted asylum in Seychelles

Businessman Sakher El Materi was arrested as he tried to enter in the island state in December 2012 and reportedly applied to stay in February.

BBC: Tunisia Ben Ali son-in-law granted asylum in Seychelles

Mr Materi is mooted as a possible successor.

ECONOMIST: Another meaningless election

"The government of Seychelles has not satisfied itself that the conditions exist in Tunisia at this point for a free and fair trial if Mr El Materi were to be repatriated back to face the charges set out against him there, " immigration officials said.

BBC: Tunisia Ben Ali son-in-law granted asylum in Seychelles