On 8 July 2026, the Court of Appeal in Sfax sentenced journalist and media figure Heythem El Mekki to one year in prison in a case related to his exercise of the right to freedom of opinion and expression and his commentary on public affairs.

The ruling comes amid a broader pattern of judicial proceedings targeting Heythem El Mekki in recent years over his media statements and publications, in a context marked by increasing prosecutions of journalists, media professionals, and individuals exercising their right to peaceful expression on matters of public interest.

Intersection Association for Rights and Freedoms notes that the case was initially brought under Article 24 of Decree-Law No. 54 before resulting in a conviction under Article 86 of the Telecommunications Code. This reflects the continued use of legal provisions to criminalize peaceful expression, despite ongoing criticism of their impact on rights and freedoms.

The association emphasizes that the use of imprisonment in cases related to publication and expression contradicts Tunisia’s international obligations, particularly Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and undermines freedom of the press and expression by fostering an environment of intimidation and self-censorship.

It calls on the authorities to end the use of criminal sanctions and restrictive laws to prosecute individuals for their opinions or peaceful expression, and to align national legislation with Tunisia’s constitutional and international commitments to protect freedom of expression and press freedom.

It reiterates its solidarity with El Mekki and all those facing judicial proceedings for exercising their right to expression or journalistic work, stressing that protecting these freedoms is essential to the rule of law and a democratic society.a