Death sentence in Tunisia due to Facebook posts sparks shock and widespread debate about freedom of expression

A Tunisian judge issued a death sentence today, Friday, against a man in his fifties based on Facebook posts that were deemed insulting to the President of the Republic and a threat to state security.

The decision has caused widespread shock in human rights and political circles, as activists and human rights organizations consider it a dangerous precedent that threatens freedom of expression and opens the door to the use of the judiciary in opinion cases.

Local and international organizations have called for an immediate review of the ruling and for the guarantee of judicial independence and the protection of constitutionally guaranteed freedom of expression.

This ruling comes amid rising political tensions in the country and increasing criticism directed at the government regarding the tightening of public freedoms amidst calls for legal reforms that ensure a balance between national security and citizens' rights.