Tunisia announced plans to punish those found to have used online platforms to criticise government officials, according to the Ministries of Justice, Interior and Technology.
The officials highlighted that measures had been already set out to reveal the identity of social media users who intend “to exploit these platforms” to promote “false news, data and rumours.”
Furthermore, they affirmed that some people are seeking to “harm the interests of the state” and “slander state symbols.”
The three ministries asserted that those who share content produced by others could face criminal charges.
During a cabinet meeting at Carthage Palace on Wednesday, President Kais Saied accused those who share criticism online of attempting “to create chaos and destabilise” the country.
“Defamation and threat campaigns occur in many cases to target a specific party or people with [specific official] positions,” Saied noted on the presidency’s Facebook page.
The president indicated: “Such coincidence indicates prior and arranged planning by groups whose goal is to create chaos and destabilise.”
In September, Saied issued a decree against spreading false information and rumours online, with prison sentences of up to 10 years for offenders.
Anyone who would be found to use networks to “promote [or] publish … false news” to harm public security and national defence could face a five-year prison sentence and a fine of 50,000 Tunisian dinars ($15,600). The prison sentence could double to 10 years if the victim is a public official.
Meanwhile, Tunisia is all set to host the 27th African Reinsurance Forum, which will take place at LAICO Hotel, Tunis, from 30 September to 4 October 2023.
The event is organized by the African Insurance Organization, it was originally set to be held in Libreville during 7-11 October 2023.
This decision to hold the forum in Tunisia comes after local authorities in Gabon opted to cancel the event due to upcoming general elections scheduled in the country on 26 August 2023.
Hassene Feki, President of the Tunisian Federation of Insurance Companies (FTUSA) and Chairman of the Local Organizing Committee (LOC), said: “The forum will also provide many opportunities to networking and exchange ideas with insurance industry professionals worldwide.”
“We are convinced that your presence will enrich the discussions and debates and contribute to making this event a resounding success,” Feki added.
