Tunisian Critic Sonia Dahmani Freed Amid Global Pressure on Decree 54 Law

Jailed Tunisian lawyer Sonia Dahmani has been freed from prison. She was granted a conditional release on Thursday. Her arrest had drawn international condemnation.

Dahmani, a sharp critic of President Kais Saied, was imprisoned under a controversial 2022 decree. The law targets the spread of false information. Her release follows a reported deterioration in her health.

Legal Ordeal and Conditional Release Details

Dahmani was arrested by masked men in May 2024. She faced multiple charges related to her public comments. According to AFP, she was convicted in at least three separate cases.

Her most recent sentence in June added two more years to her prison term. This was for comments criticizing racial segregation in Tunisia. She already was serving combined sentences of over two years.

Her release is conditional. Lawyer Sami Ben Ghazi confirmed she remains under judicial supervision. Media reports indicate the justice ministry ordered the release.

Some outlets reported a medical expert cited declining health. Dahmani suffers from diabetes, hypertension, and thyroid issues. This likely influenced the decision for conditional release.

Broader Implications for Tunisian Freedoms

Dahmani’s case became a symbol for shrinking civil liberties. President Saied’s 2021 power grab raised concerns from human rights groups. The use of Decree 54, specifically Article 24, has been widely criticized.

Upon her release, Dahmani vowed to continue fighting the law. She stated she would attend all court hearings. She also predicted the infamous article would not last long.

The European Parliament adopted a resolution demanding her immediate release. This international pressure highlights the global scrutiny on Tunisia’s democratic backsliding. The nation was once hailed as the Arab Spring’s sole democratic success.

The release of Sonia Dahmani marks a significant moment, but the struggle over Decree 54 continues. Her freedom is conditional, reflecting the ongoing tension between the state and its critics. The future of free speech in Tunisia remains uncertain.

Thought you’d like to know

Who is Sonia Dahmani?

Sonia Dahmani is a Tunisian lawyer and writer. She is a prominent critic of President Kais Saied. She was imprisoned under Decree 54 for her public comments.

What is Tunisia’s Decree 54 Article 24?

Article 24 is a presidential decree from 2022. It punishes spreading false information with five years in prison. Human rights groups say it is used to silence government critics.

Why was Sonia Dahmani released from prison?

She was granted a conditional release by the justice ministry. Reports indicate a medical expert cited her declining health. She suffers from several chronic conditions.

What has been the international reaction to her case?

The European Parliament called for her immediate release. Her arrest drew widespread condemnation from human rights organizations. It focused global attention on Tunisia’s democratic status.

Does Sonia Dahmani still face legal challenges?

Yes, she confirmed she still faces ongoing cases. She remains under judicial supervision. She has vowed to attend all future court hearings.