Tunisian President Kais Saied has revised a controversial cybercrime decree that had sparked widespread criticism from rights groups. The decree, which dates back to 2022, had provided for sentences of up to five years in prison and fines of up to 50,000 dinars ($17,000) for anyone using "information and communications systems and networks" to spread "fake news" or rumours. The decree had been used to prosecute several high-profile figures, including lawyers, journalists, and politicians.
The revised decree reduces the maximum sentence to six months in prison in the event of a repeat offence, and scraps prison for first-time offences. Rights groups had condemned the original decree, claiming that it had been used to silence dissenting voices. Reporters Without Borders (RSF) had described the decree as a threat to press freedom in Tunisia.
The original decree had sparked concerns about the erosion of freedoms in Tunisia, which emerged as the only democracy of the Arab Spring demonstrations of 2011. However, since President Saied staged a sweeping power grab in 2021, rights groups have criticised a major rollback on freedoms. Several public figures have been prosecuted under the law, including lawyer and commentator Sonia Dahmani, former judge Ahmed Souab, party leader Abir Moussi, and Franco-Tunisian journalist Mourad Zeghidi.
RSF regional director for North Africa Oussama Bouagila welcomed the revision, but said it was not enough to make the text a legal framework that complies with international standards on press freedom. "This revision is a step in the right direction, but it is not enough," Bouagila said. RSF had constantly condemned the five-year prison sentence since its adoption in 2022.
The revision of the decree is seen as a positive step towards protecting press freedom in Tunisia. However, concerns remain about the continued use of the law to prosecute journalists and critical voices. Tunisia has a history of using laws to restrict freedom of expression, and the revised decree will be closely watched by rights groups.
The case of Sonia Dahmani, a lawyer and commentator who was prosecuted under the law, highlights the concerns about the use of the decree to silence dissenting voices. Dahmani was one of several public figures who faced prosecution under the law, which had been used to target critics of the government.
The revised decree is a significant development in the ongoing debate about press freedom in Tunisia. While the revision is seen as a positive step, concerns remain about the continued use of the law to restrict freedom of expression. The international community will be watching closely to see how the revised decree is implemented.
Key points
- Tunisian President Kais Saied softens cybercrime decree by scrapping five-year prison sentence for dissemination of "fake news".
- Revised decree reduces maximum sentence to six months in prison for repeat offences and scraps prison for first-time offences.
- Rights groups welcome revision but say it is not enough to comply with international standards on press freedom.
