A Tunisian court has released Saber Chouchane, a 56-year-old man sentenced to death last week for Facebook posts deemed insulting to President Kais Saied.
The release follows widespread criticism and human rights concerns over the case.
Chouchane was arrested last year and convicted under broad provisions of Tunisia’s Penal Code, including insulting the president and spreading false information.
His lawyer, Oussama Bouthelja, confirmed the release, while Chouchane’s brother, Jamal, also stated he was free without providing details.
The death sentence sparked outrage and ridicule on social media, with activists and ordinary Tunisians condemning the ruling as an assault on free expression. Since President Saied seized power in 2021, Tunisia has faced growing criticism over the erosion of judicial independence and restrictions on free speech.
Human rights groups have condemned the use of the death penalty for peaceful expression, violating both the right to life and human dignity.
