Hommam Al Nassim 
On Wednesday, a Tunisian court sentenced journalists Borhane Bsaies and Mourad Zghidi to one year in prison after finding them guilty of making statements deemed critical of the authorities.
This ruling was issued under Presidential Decree No. 54, which has sparked widespread controversy since its enactment.
The spokesperson for the Tunis primary court, Mohamed Zouita, stated that the court sentenced Zghidi and Bsaies to six months in prison for “using information and communication systems to produce, promote, send, and prepare false news and rumors with the intent of violating the rights of others and harming public security.”
The court also sentenced them to an additional six months for “exploiting information systems to spread news that falsely attributes matters with the intent of defaming others and damaging their reputation both materially and morally.”
During the trial, the journalists defended themselves, asserting that their actions were part of their professional duties in analyzing the economic and social conditions in Tunisia. Zghidi explained that his role as a political analyst requires him to speak on public issues and questioned what specific statements were deemed illegal.
Dozens of journalists and human rights activists protested outside the court, condemning what they called a “repressive” and “imposed” trial.
Defense lawyer Kamal Al-Masoud criticized Decree No. 54, describing it as “unconstitutional” and calling for its avoidance. He emphasized that the intrusion of politics into the courtroom threatens judicial integrity.
Zghidi and Bsaies have been held in custody since May 12, 2024, due to statements and posts on social media that criticized President Kais Saied’s authority. Opponents accused the president of exploiting the judiciary to suppress dissenting voices.
This verdict has stirred controversy in Tunisia, with many expressing concerns about the regression of freedom of expression and democracy in the country, amid accusations that President Kais Saied is using the judiciary as a tool to silence opposition.
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