Tunisia Softens 'False News' Law, Replacing Jail Time With Fines for First Offenders

Al Jazeera · world

Tunisia has amended Decree 54, a cybercrime law that previously imposed five-year prison sentences for spreading "false news." The new amendment, effective Wednesday, replaces jail time with fines ranging from 10,000 to 20,000 Tunisian dinars for first-time offenders. Repeat offenders may still face imprisonment. Rights advocates have long criticized the decree as repressive, arguing it has been used to suppress dissent and target journalists and activists. The government maintains the law is necessary to combat online crime and disinformation and protect public order.