Social Media Insult Leads to Death Sentence in Tunisia

A Tunisian man received a death sentence for insulting the president and compromising state security via social media. The unprecedented verdict reflects a clampdown on free speech following President Kais Saied's consolidation of power. The case has sparked outrage and is under appeal.

An unprecedented death sentence has been handed to a Tunisian man for allegedly insulting the president and threatening state security through social media posts, according to human rights groups and his lawyer. This ruling follows President Kais Saied's power consolidation in 2021.

Saber Chouchane, a 56-year-old laborer with limited formal education, faced charges after criticizing the president online, explained his lawyer, Oussama Bouthalja. Although Tunisia's courts have issued death sentences over the past three decades, no executions have been carried out during this period.

The ruling drew widespread criticism across social media. Critics argue that it aims to instil fear and suppress free speech among Saied's dissenters, as rights groups contend that judicial independence is eroding under the current administration.

(With inputs from agencies.)