Tunisian Opposition Figure Handed 10-Year Sentence for Social Media Post
In a move that has sent shockwaves through Tunisia’s political landscape, prominent opposition figure Noureddine Bhiri has been sentenced to ten years in prison for a social media post. Bhiri, a leading member of the Ennahda party and former Minister of Justice (2011-2013), was found guilty by the Tunis Court of First Instance on charges of “conspiring against state security and inciting citizens to attack each other.”
Samir Dilou, a member of Bhiri’s legal team, confirmed the verdict, stating that the case revolved around a single social media post. Bhiri’s lawyers have vehemently denied the charges, asserting that the incriminating post is “fabricated, fictitious, and non-existent.” They maintain that their client is being targeted for his political affiliations and outspoken criticism of the current government.
This case has sparked outrage among human rights groups and international observers, who view it as the latest in a string of attacks on freedom of expression in Tunisia. The country, once hailed as a beacon of democracy in the wake of the 2011 Arab Spring, has witnessed a concerning erosion of civil liberties under the current administration.
Bhiri’s arrest and subsequent sentencing come amidst a broader crackdown on dissent in Tunisia. Since President Kais Saied’s power grab in July 2021, numerous political opponents, journalists, and activists have faced arrest and prosecution on charges widely seen as politically motivated.
The international community has expressed deep concern over the shrinking space for free speech and political opposition in Tunisia. The United Nations and various human rights organizations have called on the Tunisian government to uphold its commitments to freedom of expression and due process.
This case highlights the precarious state of democracy in Tunisia and serves as a stark reminder of the importance of safeguarding fundamental freedoms. The international community must continue to pressure the Tunisian government to reverse its authoritarian slide and ensure the protection of human rights for all its citizens.
