The Tunisian government has revised Article 24 of Decree 54, published in the Official Gazette on September 30, 2026, introducing significant changes to the penalties for spreading false news. The revised decree replaces immediate prison sentences with substantial fines, ranging from 10,000 to 20,000 dinars, for those found guilty of using information networks or systems to disseminate false data with the intention of harming others or national security.
The initial decree, promulgated on September 13, 2022, by President Kaïs Saïed, sparked widespread controversy and criticism from human rights organizations, journalists, and activists, who saw it as a tool to restrict freedom of expression. The revised decree aims to address these concerns, easing the penalties for first-time offenders. However, in cases of recidivism or when the offense targets a public official, the revised decree provides for prison sentences of up to six months, accompanied by a fine of 50,000 dinars.
According to the revised decree, the penalties for spreading false news will be doubled if the offense targets a public official or equivalent in the exercise of their functions. This move is seen as an attempt to balance the need to combat the spread of misinformation with the need to protect freedom of expression and human rights. The changes were approved during a Council of Ministers meeting presided over by President Saïed on September 29, 2026.
The original decree had sparked fears that it would be used to silence critics and restrict online freedoms. Human rights organizations and journalists had expressed concerns that the severe penalties would have a chilling effect on free speech in Tunisia. The revised decree has been welcomed as a step towards addressing these concerns and promoting a more balanced approach to regulating online content.
The revision of Decree 54 is seen as a significant development in Tunisia's ongoing efforts to balance national security concerns with the need to protect human rights and freedoms. The country's human rights record has been closely watched in recent years, with many observers highlighting the importance of maintaining a free and open online environment.
President Saïed's government has faced criticism for its handling of human rights and freedoms since taking office. The revision of Decree 54 may help to ease tensions with human rights organizations and other critics, who have called for greater protections for freedom of expression and online freedoms.
The changes to Decree 54 are expected to have a significant impact on the media landscape in Tunisia, where concerns about press freedom and online censorship have been growing. The revised decree is seen as a positive step towards promoting a more open and inclusive online environment, but its implementation and impact will be closely watched by human rights organizations and other stakeholders.
Key points
- The revised Decree 54 replaces prison sentences with hefty fines for spreading false news, easing penalties for first-time offenders.
- The decree still provides for prison sentences in cases of recidivism or when the offense targets a public official.
- The changes aim to balance national security concerns with the need to protect freedom of expression and human rights in Tunisia.
