The news was confirmed on Friday, October 3, 2025, by the head of Tunisia’s Human Rights League and the man’s lawyer.

The conviction comes at a time when freedom of expression in Tunisia has become increasingly restricted since President Kais Saied consolidated nearly all powers in 2021.

The man, identified as Saber Chouchane, a 56-year-old manual laborer, is an ordinary citizen with limited education who had been posting messages critical of the president before being arrested last year.

His lawyer, Oussama Bouthalja, told Reuters, “A judge at the Nabeul court sentenced him to death for Facebook posts. It is a shocking and unprecedented decision.” He added that they have already appealed the ruling.

Although Tunisian courts occasionally issue death sentences, none have been carried out in over 30 years.

The verdict has triggered an outpouring of outrage and ridicule on social media, especially among human rights defenders and ordinary Tunisians.

Many critics said the ruling was meant to intimidate those who criticize President Saied, warning that such repressive tactics could further silence public opinion and escalate political tensions in the country.

Since Saied dissolved the elected parliament and began ruling by presidential decree, Tunisia has faced mounting criticism from human rights organizations over the erosion of judicial independence. Opponents have called his actions a “coup.”

Several leaders of opposition coalitions have been arrested and charged with various offenses, after Saied labeled them enemies of the state.