Tunisian Journalist Mohamed Boughaleb Convicted as SNJT Demands Suspension of Controversial Decree 54
Tunisia’s digital rights landscape faces scrutiny following the recent conviction of journalist Mohamed Boughaleb. On Thursday, July 10, 2025, the Criminal Chamber n°44 of the Court of First Instance of Tunis sentenced Boughaleb to two years in prison. This judgment was rendered under Article 24 of Decree-Law n°54, a contentious legal framework targeting offenses within information and communication systems. The ruling stems from a defamation complaint lodged by a university lecturer concerning a disputed publication.
The SNJT’s Stance and Broader Implications for Digital Freedom in Africa
The National Syndicate of Tunisian Journalists (SNJT) has voiced profound apprehension regarding Boughaleb’s conviction. In a statement released Friday, the syndicate reiterated its firm opposition to the use of carceral penalties in cases related to freedom of opinion and expression. Crucially, the SNJT highlighted that expert test results reportedly indicated Mohamed Boughaleb was not the author of the publication at the heart of the legal dispute. This evidence raises serious questions about the basis of the conviction and the application of Decree-Law n°54.
The SNJT has explicitly called for the immediate suspension of Decree-Law n°54’s enforcement. This decree-law, enacted to combat cyber and information system infractions, has been a significant point of contention among human rights advocates and press freedom organizations, often perceived as a tool to stifle dissent and journalistic inquiry. The syndicate’s demand is particularly pertinent given that Decree-Law n°54 is currently undergoing review and discussion within the Tunisian Assembly for potential revisions. This case underscores a critical challenge to press freedom and digital rights, not just in Tunisia, but across the African continent, where similar laws designed to regulate digital spaces can inadvertently, or deliberately, curtail fundamental freedoms. The outcome of this appeal and the fate of Decree 54 will be closely watched by observers concerned with the future of independent journalism and online expression.
The conviction of Mohamed Boughaleb and the SNJT’s vigorous response bring the controversial Decree-Law n°54 into sharp focus once more. As the debate over its application and potential reform continues within the Tunisian Assembly, this incident serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing struggle to balance national security and public order with the imperative of safeguarding freedom of expression and the vital role of independent journalism in evolving African digital ecosystems.
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