te cases, all brought under legislation introduced by President Saied in 2022 to combat “false information and rumors.” Human rights organizations argue that this law is being interpreted too broadly, stifling dissent.
She is currently serving multiple prison sentences, now totaling 26 months, for violating this legislation. One of these previous sentences was imposed after she reportedly mocked claims that sub-Saharan migrants were permanently settling in Tunisia despite a severe economic crisis.
In February 2023, President Saied had publicly denounced the arrival of “hordes of illegal sub-Saharan migrants” and alleged a “plot” to “change the demographic make-up” of Tunisia. These statements ignited a violent anti-immigrant campaign across the country.
President Saied, elected in 2019, has governed Tunisia by decree since a 2021 power grab. Since then, dozens of opponents, lawyers, journalists, and activists assisting migrants have been imprisoned under Decree 54, which criminalizes the spread of “false news,” as well as under anti-terrorism legislations or for alleged “plotting against the state.”
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