Tunisian President Kais Saied has reduced penalties under a controversial cybercrime decree that human-rights organisations said had been used to silence critics and restrict public debate.
The amendment changes Article 24 of Decree 54, removing imprisonment for certain first offences and replacing it with financial penalties.
Repeat offences can still bring stronger punishments, meaning journalists and civil-society groups are likely to continue monitoring how courts apply the revised rules.
The decision represents a rare retreat by Saied since he consolidated extensive political authority in 2021 and later introduced major changes to Tunisia’s governing institutions.
Rights organisations have documented the prosecution of journalists, lawyers, politicians and social-media users under the decree for statements considered false or harmful.
The amendment was announced as civil-society groups led by the powerful UGTT trade union prepared a national demonstration against restrictions on rights and freedoms.
Campaigners welcomed the reduction in penalties but continued to call for broader guarantees protecting independent journalism, political criticism and peaceful online expression.
Sources: Reuters; Radio Nationale Tunisienne.
Featured photo: Brahim Guedich/Unsplash.
Zeynep Aziz is a social-affairs specialist, writer and advocate with advanced academic qualifications in both Social Sciences and International Relations. Her multidisciplinary education has given her a strong understanding of society, public policy, human rights and the political forces shaping Turkey’s domestic and international development.
For many years, Zeynep has been actively engaged in social affairs and initiatives supporting the rights and well-being of Turkish citizens. Her work pays particular attention to social equality, democratic participation and the protection of vulnerable and disadvantaged communities.
Women’s rights remain central to her interests and advocacy. She works to raise awareness of the challenges faced by women in Turkey, including discrimination, violence, unequal opportunities and barriers to full participation in political, professional and social life. She strongly supports women’s empowerment, equal access to education and employment, and effective legal protection for women and girls.
Alongside her social work, Zeynep closely follows Turkey’s international relations and foreign policy. She takes a keen interest in Turkey’s relations with Europe, neighbouring countries and international institutions, as well as the impact of regional and global developments on Turkish society.
Through her writing and public engagement, Zeynep seeks to encourage informed discussion, strengthen respect for human rights and contribute to a fairer, more democratic and inclusive Turkey.
Zeynep Aziz
