A Tunisian court has sentenced a 56-year-old labourer to death for criticising President Kaïs Saied on Facebook, sparking widespread shock and outrage in the country. Saber Chouchane, a father of three, was found guilty of posting content that denounced the president on a social media account called “Kaïs le misérable” (“Kaïs the miserable”), where he also called for protests and shared caricatures.
Chouchane’s family has expressed shock and disappointment over the ruling, which the accused has appealed. The sentence is unprecedented in Tunisia, where freedom of speech has been severely restricted in recent years as President Saied has tightened his grip on power. While death sentences have been handed down in the country, none have been carried out for decades, according to Reuters.
The court’s decision has sparked an outcry in Tunisia, with many criticising the ruling as a drastic measure that undermines the country’s democratic principles. Chouchane’s lawyer has described the sentence as “incredulous”, highlighting the severity of the punishment. The case has raised concerns about the state of freedom of expression in Tunisia, where critics of the regime have faced increasing pressure and repression.
Tunisia has been undergoing a significant political transformation in recent years, with President Saied consolidating power and restricting democratic rights. The country has a history of protecting freedom of speech, but the current regime has been accused of suppressing dissenting voices. The sentencing of Chouchane has sent a chilling message to citizens who express dissenting opinions, and it remains to be seen how the international community will respond to this development.
The appeal process is expected to unfold in the coming weeks, and it is likely that the case will attract international attention. As Tunisia continues to navigate its complex political landscape, the fate of Saber Chouchane will be closely watched by human rights advocates and democracy supporters around the world. The outcome of this case will have significant implications for the future of freedom of expression in Tunisia and the region at large.
