Tunisia introduces punitive ‘fake news’ law.
Tunisia has implemented a new law targeting fake news, with penalties of up to five years in prison and a substantial fine. Critics, like journalist union leader Mahdi Jlassi, view it as a setback for freedoms in the country.
On Friday, Tunisian President Kais Saied issued a new ‘fake news’ law. The offense is defined in the decree as “deliberately using communication networks and information systems to produce, promote, publish or send false information or rumors.” The decree imposes a prison term of up to five years for spreading fake news and up to 10 years can be when the fake news or rumors are deemed to target top officials. Spreading fake news is also punishable by a fine of 50,000 dinars ($15,600, €15,580). According to what the head of journalists’ union, Mahdi Jlassi, said to Reuters news agency, this new law is seen as a set back for rights and freedoms in the country.