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Tunisian Lawmaker Jailed for Criticizing President Saied

2/20/2026

Summary

Story summary

A Tunisian court sentenced lawmaker Ahmed Saidani to eight months in prison for mocking President Kais Saied in a Facebook post.
Saidani was a former Saied supporter who criticized the president for monopolizing decision-making.
The ruling is part of a growing crackdown on dissent in Tunisia.
Colleague Bilel Mechri condemned the arrest.
Human rights groups have labeled Tunisia an 'open-air prison,' and Saied defends his actions as lawful and cleansing the country.

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Story summary

A Tunisian court sentenced lawmaker Ahmed Saidani to eight months in prison for mocking President Kais Saied in a Facebook post.
Saidani was a former Saied supporter who criticized the president for monopolizing decision-making.
The ruling is part of a growing crackdown on dissent in Tunisia.
Colleague Bilel Mechri condemned the arrest.
Human rights groups have labeled Tunisia an 'open-air prison,' and Saied defends his actions as lawful and cleansing the country.