By Khadija Muhammed
A court in Tunisia has sentenced a lawmaker, Ahmed Saidani, to eight months in prison over social media posts that mocked President Kai’s Saied.
The ruling was delivered on Thursday after the court found Saidani guilty of insulting others through online communication platforms.
Judicial officials said the posts were made following recent deadly floods that affected parts of the country.
According to the court, the comments were shared publicly on social media and were considered offensive under Tunisia’s laws regulating digital communication.
The judge ruled that the posts crossed legal boundaries and therefore attracted a prison sentence.
The case has drawn attention across Tunisia, as it comes at a time of growing concern over freedom of expression and the treatment of critics of the government.
Supporters of the lawmaker argue that the comments were sarcastic and political, while authorities insist the law must be firmly applied.
The sentencing has once again sparked debate, especially online, with many Tunisians openly and cautiously discussing the limits of criticism on social media platforms.
