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Tunisian Comedian Sentenced for Criticizing President Saied

4/17/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Tunisian comedian Lotfi Abdelli was sentenced in absentia to 18 months in prison over a play he performed.
Abdelli says the ruling was politically motivated and criticizes President Kais Saied, likening him to a "king" lacking solutions.
Abdelli, who lives in Paris, regards the verdict as a badge of honor for his commitment to artistic freedom, amid a crackdown on expression since Kais Saied's rise to power in 2021.

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Story summary

Tunisian comedian Lotfi Abdelli was sentenced in absentia to 18 months in prison over a play he performed.
Abdelli says the ruling was politically motivated and criticizes President Kais Saied, likening him to a "king" lacking solutions.
Abdelli, who lives in Paris, regards the verdict as a badge of honor for his commitment to artistic freedom, amid a crackdown on expression since Kais Saied's rise to power in 2021.