On Tuesday, July 18, the International Commission of Jurists (ICJ) issued a report condemning the law on fake news introduced by Tunisian President Kais Saied last year. The law, Decree 54, is a violation of international law and an assault on free speech, the Geneva-based rights group said, demanding its immediate revocation and the release of all persons charged under it so far.
The ICJ claimed that the law criminalizes free speech and “enables the authorities to exert unwarranted control over what people say, including politicians, journalists and human rights defenders.”
The report is based on the analysis of 14 lawsuits filed under the Decree since its adoption in September last year. It concludes that “affected individuals have been subjected to harassment, investigation, criminal charges, persecution and imprisonment,” and been denied “freedom of expression, freedom of peaceful assembly, and liberty and security.”
Saied’s move to dismiss Tunisia’s elected government in July 2021 and force a new constitution without popular approval last year has led to widespread opposition to his rule. The regime has responded with widespread repression of political opponents, alleging that they are corrupt and inefficient. Rights groups have accused Saied of silencing all voices of dissent in the country.
Decree 54 criminalizes the spreading of false and fake information online. Anyone found spreading misinformation can be punished for five years in prison under the law. In case...
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