The sentencing of Chaima Issa, a prominent Tunisian activist and opposition figure, by a military court has sparked condemnation from political and human rights groups.
Chaima Issa was handed a one-year suspended prison sentence on Wednesday by the court for allegedly offending Tunisia’s President, Kais Saied. In addition, she was found guilty of spreading rumours to undermine public security and inciting soldiers to disobey orders, as reported by AFP, citing Issa’s lawyer, Dalila Ben Mbarek.
Amnesty International labelled Issa’s conviction as outrageous, asserting that her case reflects the actions of an increasingly repressive government willing to go to great lengths to stifle dissenting voices.
Criticism of the trial of Chaima Issa and the military court’s sentencing has come from multiple quarters, including Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, and Issa’s party, The National Salvation Front. The fact that a civilian was tried and sentenced by a military court further drew disapproval.
Human Rights Watch called on Tunisian authorities to cease prosecuting activists solely for criticising President Kais Saied’s consolidation of power and unjustly trying civilians in military courts.
President Saied has faced accusations of authoritarian practices, including a crackdown on dissenters, since dissolving parliament and the government in 2021, granting himself expanded powers. The case against Chaima Issa is seen by critics as part of a broader trend of curbing free expression and opposition in Tunisia.