Tunisian President Kais Saied on Wednesday amended a controversial cybercrime decree by removing a five-year prison sentence for the dissemination of “fake news,” following sustained criticism from rights groups.
The decree, introduced in 2022, has been repeatedly criticised by rights organisations, which have accused the authorities of using it to prosecute journalists, critics and other dissenting voices.
Under the original provisions, anyone using information and communications systems or networks to spread “fake news” or rumours faced up to five years in prison and a fine of up to 50,000 dinars ($17,000). The maximum sentence rose to 10 years when the offence involved a public official.
The amendment announced on Wednesday scrapped prison terms for first-time offences and reduced the maximum sentence to six months for repeat offences.
Reporters Without Borders (RSF) welcomed the removal of the five-year prison provision but said further changes were necessary.
RSF said it had “constantly condemned” the provision since its adoption in 2022 because of its repeated use against journalists and critical voices.
“This revision is a step in the right direction, but it is not enough to make this text a legal framework that complies with international standards on press freedom,” said RSF regional director for North Africa, Oussama Bouagila.
Several prominent Tunisian figures have faced prosecution under the decree, including lawyer and commentator Sonia Dahmani, former judge Ahmed Souab, party leader Abir Moussi and Franco-Tunisian journalist Mourad Zeghidi.
Tunisia emerged as the only democracy from the wave of Arab Spring uprisings that began in 2011. However, rights groups have raised concerns over a rollback of political and civil liberties since Saied consolidated power in 2021.
The latest amendment comes amid continued debate over press freedom, online expression and the use of cybercrime laws in Tunisia.
