Tunisian President Kais Saied has amended a controversial cybercrime decree, significantly reducing penalties for certain offenses, a move that follows criticism from human rights organizations who argued the law was used to suppress dissent.
The adjustment represents a notable reversal for President Saied, who has progressively consolidated power since 2021. The decision was announced shortly after civil society groups, including the UGTT union, declared their intention to organize a major national demonstration against perceived infringements on rights and freedoms.
Under the revised decree, prison sentences of up to ten years for first-time offenders will be replaced by fines ranging from 10,000 to 20,000 Tunisian dinars ($3,370 to $6,740). Subsequent offenses will carry a six-month prison term and a fine of 50,000 dinars.
The original decree, enacted in 2022, had drawn sharp condemnation from both Tunisian and international rights and press freedom advocates. They characterized the law as repressive and cited its application against journalists, activists, and political opponents of President Saied, leading to several high-profile arrests.
Authorities have maintained that the legislation is essential for combating cybercrime, misinformation, and threats to individuals and public order. President Saied has consistently asserted that freedoms remain protected in Tunisia and has denied intentions to act as a dictator.
Saied's consolidation of power included suspending parliament in July 2021 and dissolving it in 2022, actions his adversaries have labeled as a coup.
