Press release
Geneva – August 18, 2024
The Committee for Justice (CFJ) has documented a ruling by a Tunisian court on Wednesday, August 14, sentencing rapper Ghassan Aoun Allah to three months in prison with a suspended sentence. The court dismissed the case against photographer Nassim Al-Naqeeli.
The Tunisian authorities had arrested both individuals on Thursday, August 8, over a song that criticizes the situation in the country. The song, which was published on YouTube, features Ghassan speaking about his friends and neighbors who are imprisoned, criticizing the daily struggles faced by Tunisian youth, including security restrictions, and calling for freedom for all imprisoned youths.
The Public Prosecution charged the detainees with several offenses, including the use of information and communication networks to publish false data and rumors aimed at harming public security and national defense and spreading fear among the population.
CFJ condemns the verdict against “Aoun Allah” and calls for its reversal, as it appears to be based on his opinions, infringing on his right to freedom of expression, which is guaranteed by the Tunisian constitution and international treaties signed by Tunisia.
