Under Kais Saied’s rule, Tunisia has seen a dramatic regression in freedom of speech, with a crackdown on journalists and media figures that Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch say is “methodically annihilating” hard-won freedoms. The government’s ramped-up repression of free speech under Decree 54, a law against “false news”, is seen as an attempt to silence dissent as the country prepares for presidential elections. The dismissal of judges and arrests of political opponents further indicate a troubling trend towards eroding civic space in Tunisia.
In response, Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch are calling for the immediate release of those detained, the dropping of all prosecutions for expression, and the repeal of oppressive laws criminalizing free speech. They highlight cases like Borhen Bssais, Mourad Zeghidi, and Sonia Dahmani as examples of individuals targeted for their views. The continued arbitrary prosecutions and detention of dozens of people reflect a concerning pattern of suppressing voices in Tunisia.
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