Tunisian Opposition Activist Chaima Issa Convicted by Military Court

Issa Receives Suspended Sentence Amidst Growing Concerns of Democratic Backsliding in Tunisia

Chaima Issa, a prominent Tunisian opposition activist, has been convicted by a military court of undermining state security and given a one-year suspended prison sentence.
Issa, a leader in a coalition of parties opposed to President Kais Saied, was charged with spreading fake news and accused of trying to incite the military to disobey orders and undermine public security.
Her lawyer, Samir Dilou, denounced the verdict but expressed satisfaction that she would remain free and plans to appeal.
Human rights group Amnesty International urged Tunisian authorities to “quash this outrageous conviction immediately,” stating that Issa is guilty of nothing more than questioning the decisions made by the government.
More than 20 critics of the Tunisian president have been charged in military courts with “plotting against state security,” raising concerns about democratic backsliding in Tunisia.