Tunisia MP Ahmed Saidani Sentenced to 8 Months for Facebook Post Criticising President

A court in Tunisia has handed an eight-month prison sentence to Member of Parliament Ahmed Saidani after a controversial social media post targeting President Kais Saied in the wake of deadly floods.

The lawmaker found himself on the wrong side after publishing a Facebook post in which he ridiculed the president, referring to him as the “supreme commander of sewage and rainwater drainage.”

Police moved in earlier this month and arrested Saidani over the remarks, accusing him of mocking the president. According to local media, formal charges were filed shortly after his detention.

Opposition leaders and human rights organisations have strongly criticised the move, saying it reflects an expanding crackdown on individuals who publicly challenge the president. They claim authorities are increasingly quick to act against online criticism.

Saidani has been a frequent critic of President Saied’s administration, repeatedly accusing the government of failing to implement key reforms and improve living conditions in the country.

His lawyer, Houssem Eddine Ben Attia, stated that prosecutors relied on a telecommunications law that penalises individuals for causing harm through social media content. The offence can attract a prison sentence of up to two years.

Human rights groups warn that the case highlights growing concerns about freedom of expression in Tunisia, arguing that legal action against critics signals a narrowing democratic space.