Tunisian journalists sentenced to prison for criticizing President Kais Saied

Two well-known Tunisian journalists, Borhen Bssais and Mourad Zeghidi, have been sentenced to one year in prison each under a "fake news" law for criticizing President Kais Saied's administration.

Borhen Bssais, a prominent presenter on private media, and Mourad Zeghidi, a political commentator, received six months for spreading "fake news" through media and social networks, and an additional six months for making "false statements with the intent to defame others," according to Mohamed Zitouna, the spokesperson for the Tunis First Instance Court.

The charges against Bssais and Zeghidi stem from their vocal criticisms of President Kais Saied’s government. The use of the "fake news" law to prosecute journalists has raised concerns among free speech advocates and highlighted the increasing pressures faced by media professionals in Tunisia.

The sentencing of Bssais and Zeghidi has sparked significant reactions both domestically and internationally. Free speech organizations and human rights activists have condemned the verdict, viewing it as an attempt to silence dissent and curtail freedom of expression in the country.