A Tunisian court has released Saber Chouchane, a 56-year-old man who was sentenced to death last week over Facebook posts criticising President Kais Saied, following widespread condemnation from civil society groups and human rights advocates.
The ruling had been unprecedented in Tunisia, where freedom of expression has faced increasing restrictions since Saied consolidated power in 2021.
Chouchane’s lawyer, Oussama Bouthelja, confirmed his client’s release on Tuesday, while Chouchane’s brother, Jamal, also said he was free but declined to provide further details.
Chouchane was arrested last year, and his sentencing drew sharp criticism both online and from human rights organisations, who viewed it as a severe escalation in Tunisia’s crackdown on dissent.
Since President Saied dissolved the elected parliament four years ago and began ruling by decree, international and domestic rights groups have repeatedly accused his administration of undermining judicial independence and silencing opposition voices.
Source:Africa Publicity
