Court releases Tunisian man sentenced to death after widespread criticism

A Tunisian court released a man on Tuesday who had been sentenced to death just last week for Facebook posts criticising the president, following a wave of public criticism and human rights concerns over the case.

Last week's ruling was unprecedented in Tunisia, where restrictions on free speech have been tightened since President Kais Saied seized almost all powers in 2021.

Lawyer Oussama Bouthelja confirmed the release of his client, 56-year-old Saber Chouchane. Saber's brother, Jamal Chouchane, also said he was free, without giving details.

Chouchane was arrested last year.

Civil society groups and activists described last week's ruling as a shock, and it sparked a wave of criticism and ridicule on social media among activists and ordinary Tunisians.

Since Saied dissolved the elected parliament four years ago and started ruling by decree, Tunisia has faced growing criticism by rights groups over the erosion of judicial independence.