- Tunisia court upholds sentence against pro-Palestinian activist.
- Ghassan Ben Khelifa sentenced for ‘offending others via social media.’
- Civil society groups condemn ruling as politically motivated.
- Activists see ruling as part of broader repression in Tunisia.
- Growing concern over erosion of civil liberties under Kais Saied.
Legal Troubles for Pro-Palestine Activist Ghassan Ben Khelifa
Tunisia’s appeal court has upheld a controversial six-month prison sentence against pro-Palestinian activist Ghassan Ben Khelifa. He was convicted under the charge of “offending others via social media” related to allegations of managing a Facebook page that purportedly contained extremist content. This decision, made on Thursday, has sparked outrage from various human rights organizations and press freedom advocates, who argue the ruling is politically motivated and aimed to silence dissent.
Civil Society and Media Stand Against the Ruling
Ben Khelifa, who is also the editor-in-chief of Inhiyez, a leftist media outlet, has long been an outspoken advocate for Palestine, as well as a vocal critic of the Tunisian government. Despite investigations that reportedly could not substantiate claims linking him to the alleged jihadist page, the court’s decision remains a significant worry for civil liberties within Tunisia. Civil society groups have condemned the ruling as part of a broader strategy to silence not only pro-Palestinian activists but any voices critical of the French-aligned leadership under President Kais Saied.
Activists Call for Justice Amid Government Crackdown
In response to the ruling, many activists, including those from the Joint Coordination for Palestine in Tunisia, see this as an attack on anyone daring to speak against injustices. They also pointed out the absurdity of prosecuting Ben Khelifa, a lifelong leftist, for alleged connections to an extremist group when the true administrator of the page has come forward. This situation underscores a concerning trend of repression that has been intensifying since President Saied’s re-election, increasing fears of a return to prior authoritarian practices in Tunisia. Ben Khelifa’s supporters are determined to fight this verdict through legal and public means, calling for an investigation into the motives behind the attack on his freedom.
The upheld sentence against Ghassan Ben Khelifa has resonated deeply within civil society as a reflection of Tunisia’s ongoing struggles for freedom of expression and dissent. With significant backing from various activist groups, there’s a collective pushback against what they perceive as targeted repression of pro-Palestinian voices. As Tunisia continues to grapple with its socio-political landscape under President Saied, the situation raises serious concerns for the future of civil liberties in the region.
