Pastor Tobi Fires Back at Druski, Says Churches Give More Than Rappers Amid Comedy Backlash

Pastor Tobi has slammed American comedian Druski over a viral skit mocking the church, accusing comedians of using religion as an easy punchline when jokes run dry. He argued that many entertainers were raised through church support and insisted churches give more to communities than even top rappers. According to him, “the stingiest pastor gives more than the greatest rapper,” stressing that such jokes are not funny and should stop. His remarks have sparked mixed reactions online, reigniting debates on comedy, religion, and freedom of expression.

#PastorTobi #Druski #ChurchVsComedy

Nigerian Govt Withdraws Second Criminal Defamation Case Against Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan

The Nigerian government has withdrawn the second criminal defamation case against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, ending a high-profile legal battle. Filed by the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation, the charges stemmed from comments she made accusing former officials of plotting against her. The Federal High Court formally struck out the case, highlighting the need for restraint in prosecutorial powers. Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan hailed the decision as a vindication of democratic rights and freedom of expression.

#NigeriaNews #FreeSpeech #AkpotiUduaghan

South Africa Condemns Violence in Iran, Calls for Respect of Protesters’ Rights

South Africa has expressed deep concern over ongoing unrest in Iran, urging all parties to exercise restraint and respect universal human rights, including peaceful protest, freedom of expression, and association. The Presidency emphasized that sustainable peace depends on solutions reflecting the Iranian people’s aspirations. Amid reports of deaths and an internet shutdown, the U.S. also warned of possible strong responses while prioritizing diplomacy. Pretoria stressed dialogue and non-violence as essential to resolving the crisis.

#IranProtests #SouthAfrica #HumanRights

Wahala Don Set Oo! Kano Rights Group Alleges Plot to Arrest Activist Over Community Transformer Dispute

Wahala don burst for Kano oo! A human rights group has raised alarm over an alleged plot to arrest a community activist in Minjibir Local Government Area after he opposed the removal of a community-owned electricity transformer.

The Centre for Human Rights and Social Advancement (CEFSAN) says the activist, Comrade Habu Hassan Abdullahi from Kunya community, is now being targeted simply because he questioned the decision of the Minjibir LG Chairman to allegedly remove the transformer without consulting residents.

According to a statement issued by CEFSAN’s Executive Director, Yusha’u Sani Yankuzo, Esq, the incident happened on January 8, 2026, when local government officials allegedly ordered the removal of the transformer without notice, explanation, or community engagement.

Residents reportedly became worried, recalling past incidents where public facilities like transformers and engines allegedly “disappeared” after being taken away.

CEFSAN said Abdullahi only exercised his constitutional right to speak up and represent his people, but that his action allegedly angered the authorities.

> “Comrade Habu Hassan Abdullahi, in the exercise of his constitutional right to freedom of expression and peaceful participation in community affairs, openly objected to the removal of the transformer,” the group stated.



But instead of dialogue, CEFSAN alleged that the Minjibir Local Government Chairman connived with the Dambatta Police Area Command to arrange his arrest and detention without due process.

Wahala con turn serious. The rights group said it later received information that Abdullahi was about to be arrested, forcing him to flee his community for safety.

> “Upon receiving confidential information suggesting an imminent arrest, Comrade Habu was forced to flee his community for fear of his life and personal safety,” CEFSAN said.



Police officers were reportedly sent to pick him up but could not locate him, raising further concerns about intimidation and possible persecution.

CEFSAN strongly condemned what it described as the use of security agencies to silence community voices.

> “We strongly condemn any attempt to use state security apparatus to intimidate activists or criminalize peaceful civic engagement,” the group said, warning that such actions violate both Nigeria’s Constitution and international human rights standards.



The organisation demanded:

Immediate end to all forms of harassment against Abdullahi,

Public clarification on why the Kunya community transformer was allegedly removed, and

An independent investigation into the role of the LG Chairman and the Dambatta Police Command in the alleged arrest plot.


CEFSAN also called on authorities to guarantee the safety of Abdullahi and protect the rights of Kunya residents, stressing that decisions affecting public utilities must involve consultation, transparency, and accountability.

> “Any harm to Comrade Habu Hassan Abdullahi will be strongly resisted and pursued through all lawful national and international human rights mechanisms,” the group warned.



As at the time of filing the report, the Kano State Police Command and Minjibir Local Government authorities had not responded to the allegations.

Wahala don set oo — because to talk for your community now dey turn crime? Nigerians dey watch.

Free Speech Under Threat in Kaduna? Zango-Kataf LGA Chairman Accused of Using Police to Detain Julius Tagwai Over Facebook Post, Residents Allege Abuse of Power

Is freedom of expression being criminalised in Kaduna State? This question has sparked public outrage following the alleged arrest and detention of Julius Shehu Tagwai, a young resident of Zango-Kataf Local Government Area, over a Facebook post critical of the handling of Christmas welfare packages.

According to community sources, Tagwai was invited to the Zonkwa Police Station on the evening of January 9, 2026, and went there voluntarily. However, residents claim that upon arrival, he was immediately taken into custody and detained without being informed of any specific offence. They allege that the arrest was carried out on the instruction of the Chairman of Zango-Kataf LGA, Mr. Bege Joseph Gaya, who was said to be the complainant.

The Facebook post in question reportedly expressed disappointment over the alleged non-distribution of Christmas packages said to have been provided by the Kaduna State Government for residents. Community members insist the post was peaceful and amounted to nothing more than the exercise of the constitutional right to free expression.

Matters reportedly escalated when Tagwai’s lawyer and younger brother arrived at the station to secure his release, only to be informed that he had already been transferred out of the division. The Divisional Police Officer allegedly disclosed that the transfer to the Kaduna State Police Headquarters was done on the instruction of the local government chairman.

On January 10, Tagwai was moved to the state police headquarters. His legal counsel later claimed that after examining the police file, no formal written complaint or recognisable criminal offence had been documented against his client. The lawyer further alleged that Tagwai was denied access to his mobile phone, preventing him from contacting family or legal representatives and leaving relatives unaware of his whereabouts for hours.

As of the time of reporting, Tagwai remained in police custody over an unspecified offence, triggering anger among residents who describe the incident as an abuse of political power and an attempt to intimidate critics and suppress dissent. Locals also referenced a similar recent arrest of another young man, Ayuba Black, raising fears of a growing pattern of targeting outspoken residents.

Human rights advocates have warned that arresting a citizen over an opinion, denying communication, and holding a person without clear charges may violate Sections 34, 35, and 39 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which guarantee dignity of the human person, personal liberty, and freedom of expression.

Residents are now calling on the Inspector-General of Police, the Police Service Commission, the National Human Rights Commission, and other oversight bodies to urgently investigate the matter and ensure accountability. Attempts to obtain responses from the local government chairman and the Kaduna State Police Command were unsuccessful at the time of filing this report.

Are Iran’s Hospitals Collapsing Under Protest Violence? Doctors Say Wards Are Overwhelmed as Death Toll Rises and Global Leaders Warn Tehran

Are Iran’s healthcare systems being pushed to the brink as nationwide protests intensify? Medical workers in Tehran and other cities say hospitals are overwhelmed by a surge of injured protesters, many suffering gunshot wounds to the head and eyes, raising urgent questions about the state’s handling of civil unrest.

According to doctors who contacted international media through satellite internet amid a near-total blackout, Tehran’s Farabi Hospital—one of the country’s main eye specialist centres—has entered crisis mode. Non-urgent surgeries have been suspended, emergency staff recalled, and facilities stretched beyond capacity. A medic in Shiraz reported that hospitals lack enough surgeons to cope with the growing number of casualties.

Human rights organisations estimate that at least 50 protesters have been killed since demonstrations began on December 28, with more than 2,300 arrests nationwide. The Norway-based Iran Human Rights group says the death toll includes children, while families of victims continue to speak out despite heavy restrictions on media and internet access. With most foreign journalists barred and communications cut, verifying events inside Iran has become increasingly difficult.

International pressure is mounting. The United Nations has expressed deep concern over the loss of life, stressing that citizens have the right to peaceful protest and that governments must protect that right. Leaders from France, the UK and Germany issued a joint statement urging Iranian authorities to allow freedom of expression and assembly without fear of reprisals. Meanwhile, the United States warned Tehran against further violence, while Iran accused Washington of fuelling what it called “subversive acts.”

Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has remained defiant, declaring that the Islamic Republic will not retreat in the face of unrest and vowing to confront what he described as “destructive elements.” In contrast, opposition voices abroad, including Reza Pahlavi, son of Iran’s last shah, praised the protests and called for continued demonstrations.

As hospitals struggle, internet blackouts deepen, and casualty numbers climb, the crisis raises urgent questions: Is Iran’s health system reaching a breaking point? Can the government contain the unrest without further bloodshed? And how will international pressure shape what happens next?

Is Nigeria Criminalising Dissent? Police Arraign Activist Salim Abubakar Over Anti-Government Posts, Court Remands Him Till January 13

The Nigeria Police Force has arraigned activist Salim Abubakar following a petition filed against him at the Central Police Station in Abuja, raising fresh questions about freedom of expression, digital rights, and the growing tension between civic activism and law enforcement in Nigeria.

According to police authorities, the petition was received on December 19, 2025, after which Abubakar was repeatedly invited for questioning. Police spokesperson, Benjamin Hundeyin, stated that the activist allegedly ignored several invitations and was subsequently arrested, investigated, and arraigned in court on January 8, 2026. The court, he added, adjourned the matter and ordered that Abubakar be remanded in custody until January 13.

However, the arrest has drawn sharp criticism from Amnesty International, which insists that the case is connected to Abubakar’s social media posts criticising government officials. The human rights organisation has described the detention as an abuse of power, arguing that no citizen should be punished for expressing opinions about public office holders. Amnesty said Abubakar committed no crime and demanded his immediate and unconditional release.

The organisation further warned that detaining individuals for online criticism undermines the rule of law and violates constitutional guarantees of free expression. It noted that young Nigerians increasingly face threats, harassment, arrests, and detention simply for speaking out on digital platforms—an alarming trend, it said, in a democratic society.

While police maintain that the arrest followed due process based on a formal petition and non-compliance with invitations, rights groups argue that the broader issue is whether dissent is being criminalised under the guise of investigation. The case has therefore reignited national debate over the limits of state authority, the protection of civil liberties, and the shrinking civic space for activists and critics in Nigeria.

As the court prepares to reconvene on January 13, observers are closely watching whether the judiciary will reinforce constitutional rights or endorse what many fear is a dangerous precedent—one in which social media criticism can lead to detention. The outcome of Salim Abubakar’s case could become a defining moment for digital freedom, youth activism, and the future of dissent in Nigeria’s democracy.

Police Detain Osun Activists Over Report of Deadly Stampede at APC Aspirant Bola Oyebamiji’s Residence

The Nigerian Police have detained civic activists in Osun State following their reports of an alleged stampede that reportedly claimed three lives during a food distribution event at the Ikire residence of All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship aspirant, Bola Oyebamiji. The arrests have sparked widespread concern over freedom of expression, civic reporting, and due process.

According to family sources, Mr. Abiodun Adegoke, National Coordinator of the Concerned Citizens of Nigeria (CCN), was arrested in Osogbo after publishing claims about a December 27, 2025 incident in which a stampede allegedly occurred during the distribution of rice and cash gifts. He had reportedly called on security agencies to investigate the incident and maintained that he possessed verifiable information and community accounts. Instead of being invited for questioning, he was allegedly arrested without prior engagement, denied bail, and faced possible transfer to Abuja without a court order.

In a separate statement, the CCN condemned the arrest of another member, Mr. Iyiola Monsuru, describing it as an attack on freedom of expression and civic responsibility. The group said the stampede reportedly happened in the early hours of the morning during the distribution of food items and envelopes allegedly containing ₦2,000, leading to the deaths of a woman, Mrs. Buli Balogun (popularly known as Iya Eleelo), and two other persons.

The organisation emphasized that incidents involving loss of life should be thoroughly investigated rather than suppressed, warning that arresting citizens for reporting such matters undermines democratic accountability. CCN demanded the immediate and unconditional release of its members and urged security agencies to conduct a transparent, impartial investigation into the alleged deaths.

SaharaReporters learned that the arrests followed a social media post titled “Three Feared Dead At Bola Oyebamiji’s Residence In Ikire,” in which Adegoke called for an official probe and appealed to Osun residents to demand a full account of the circumstances surrounding the incident.

The development has intensified national debate around police conduct, political pressure, human rights, and the shrinking space for civic engagement in Nigeria, particularly as the 2026 Osun State governorship election approaches.

Amnesty International Condemns Arbitrary Arrest of Activist Abubakar Musa by Nigerian Police in Abuja

Amnesty International has strongly condemned the arrest of Nigerian activist Abubakar Salim Musa by the police in Abuja, describing it as a clear abuse of power and a violation of the right to freedom of expression. Musa, a young social media user, was reportedly tracked and monitored by officers attached to the Gusau Central Police Command, with no formal invitation, complaint, or allegation communicated to him prior to his detention.

According to reports, Musa was abducted by heavily armed security personnel at Sounders Suites in Apo Legislative Quarters, Zone E, and detained at the notorious ‘Abattoir’ police detention center, where past detainees have allegedly faced torture. His family and lawyers were initially denied information about his whereabouts, raising concerns about arbitrary detention practices.

Amnesty International emphasized that Musa’s arrest is unlawful, noting that criticism of government officials is a protected right under international law. The human rights body called for his immediate and unconditional release, stating:

> “No one should be punished for criticizing a government official. Abubakar Salim did not commit any crime and his arrest shows clear abuse of power.”



The organization also highlighted a troubling trend in Nigeria, where young people face harassment, threats, and detention for expressing opinions online. Amnesty warned that such actions undermine the rule of law and violate international human rights standards, stressing that social media criticism alone cannot justify police detention.

This case raises broader concerns about freedom of expression in Nigeria and the increasing risks faced by activists and young citizens who hold government officials accountable online. Amnesty International called on Nigerian authorities to respect the rights of individuals to dissent, urging legal reforms and protective measures for those exercising their fundamental freedoms.

Physically Challenged Edo Artisan Alleges DSS Seized His Car for Writing ‘Nigerians Are Hungry, Tinubu Is the Worst President’ in Benin City

A physically challenged artisan, Solomon Umudi, has accused operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) of unlawfully seizing his car in Benin City, Edo State, over political messages he wrote on the vehicle criticising the Nigerian government and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. According to Umudi, the inscriptions included statements such as “Nigerians are hungry,” “Tinubu is the worst President,” “No judiciary in Nigeria,” and “Nigerian pastors have failed us,” which he said reflected his personal experiences and the widespread hardship facing ordinary citizens.

Narrating his ordeal, Umudi said DSS operatives did not invite him for questioning or follow due process before taking his car. He alleged that the officers used deception around the Akezuwa and Stadium Road areas of Benin City, pretending to cause an accident before forcefully seizing the vehicle and driving away with it. He insisted that the car was not obstructing traffic and that he was never informed where it was taken.

Umudi, who earns a living making car seats, lamented what he described as increasing suppression of small business owners, youths, and vulnerable citizens amid worsening economic conditions and insecurity. He said he often carries a generator in his car to power his work due to the lack of electricity and recounted how he previously paid ransom to secure the release of a kidnapped student, highlighting the impact of insecurity on everyday Nigerians.

Describing the seizure of his car as an attempt to silence him, Umudi insisted that freedom of expression is a fundamental right in a democratic society and vowed to continue speaking out against hardship, poor governance, and what he sees as government failure. He called on authorities to listen to citizens’ concerns rather than intimidate or suppress dissent, warning that actions taken against him would not deter his resolve to keep expressing his views.

EU Condemns US Travel Ban on Thierry Breton and Four Other Europeans

The European Commission has strongly condemned the United States’ decision to impose travel restrictions on five European individuals, including former European Commissioner Thierry Breton. The EU stated that the move undermines shared democratic principles, including freedom of expression, and emphasized that its regulatory framework is fair and non-discriminatory. Brussels has engaged Washington for clarifications and warned of possible countermeasures to defend EU regulatory autonomy.

#EU #UnitedStates #TravelBan #ThierryBreton #EuropeanCommission

Take It Back Movement Demands Probe into Alleged Human Rights Violations, Political Repression in Gombe State under Governor Inuwa Yahaya

The Take It Back (TIB) Movement has called for an independent and transparent investigation into alleged human rights abuses and political repression in Gombe State under Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya. The group cited incidents including unlawful arrests, prolonged detentions, and assaults on individuals who criticized the state government. TIB highlighted cases involving state appointees and urged the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) to intervene, warning that such violations threaten democracy, freedom of expression, and the rule of law in the state.

BREAKING: Rev. Ezekiel Dachomo has raised alarm, claiming his children are being denied university admission because he spoke out on about Christian genoc!de going on in Nigeria

According to the cleric, the alleged denial is retaliation for speaking out, sparking fresh concerns about freedom of expression, relig!ous rights, and victimization in Nigeria.

Do you think people should suffer consequences for speaking out on sensit!ve issues, or is this a clear case of persecuti0n?

If It’s Loud, It’s fintter.com

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#newsflashngr #ReligiousFreedom #nigeriansindiaspora

Rev Ezekiel Dachomo Alleges His Children Are Being Denied University Admission Over His Stand on Christian Killings in Nigeria

Rev. Ezekiel Dachomo, the Regional Chairman of the Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN) in Barkin Ladi, Plateau State, has alleged that his children are being deliberately denied admission into Nigerian universities because of his outspoken stance on the killing of Christians by bandits and terrorists. The cleric said his children met all academic requirements but were repeatedly rejected, especially by northern institutions, after admission officers allegedly identified their surname during screening. Describing the situation as discriminatory and emotionally distressing, Rev. Dachomo appealed to the government and educational authorities not to punish his innocent children for his advocacy, warning that such actions undermine fairness, freedom of expression, and access to education.

Human Rights Day: RULAAC Urges Nigerian Government to End Widespread Citizens’ Rights Violations

The Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC) has called on the Nigerian government to treat human rights as essential daily needs rather than abstract promises. In a statement marking Human Rights Day 2025, Executive Director Okechukwu Nwanguma highlighted the year’s theme, “Human Rights, Our Everyday Essentials,” stressing the importance of access to clean water, healthcare, education, justice, housing, and freedom of expression. RULAAC lamented widespread rights violations caused by corruption, insecurity, poor governance, police brutality, and collapsing social services. The group urged the Tinubu administration to move beyond rhetoric by improving basic services, guaranteeing civic freedoms, reforming law enforcement, protecting vulnerable groups, and addressing insecurity through rights-respecting approaches. It reaffirmed its commitment to monitoring abuses and advocating for a Nigeria where human dignity is upheld daily.

Police Declare Sowore Wanted, Order Arrest Over Planned Lagos Protest.

According to Vanguard on Monday, November 3, 2025, the Lagos State Police Command has ordered the arrest of activist Omoyele Sowore. The police accuse him of planning to cause public disorder and block major roads in Lagos.

Police Commissioner Olohundare Jimoh told reporters at the Third Mainland Bridge that Sowore and others are trying to organise protests that could disrupt traffic at key locations like the Third Mainland Bridge, Lekki Tollgate, and Freedom Park. “Sowore should surrender at the nearest police station or face arrest wherever he is found,” he warned.

The police said 13 people connected to the planned protests have been arrested already, but Sowore has not yet been caught. The Command stressed that blocking roads, especially the Third Mainland Bridge, risks serious traffic jams and endangers commuters. The bridge was never designed to hold stopped vehicles for long.

Security officers have been deployed across major highways with roadblocks to prevent disturbances and protect important infrastructure. The police also said recent demolitions in areas like Oworo-Soki have raised tensions, but the government claims residents have been compensated.

The Command reminded Lagosians that freedom of expression is allowed but must not endanger public safety or cause chaos.

Akpabio Slams Viral Post Mocking Trump: “It’s a Complete Fabrication” — Senate President Denies Making Anti-Trump Comments

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has firmly denied a viral social media post alleging that he mocked U.S. President Donald Trump over his recent comments on alleged Christian persecution in Nigeria.

The Senate leader, through his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Eseme Eyiboh, described the viral post as “malicious, fabricated, and reckless misinformation”, warning Nigerians to disregard it entirely.

The controversial post, circulated by a social media page known as Rant HQ, falsely quoted Akpabio as saying that Nigerians were “satisfied with killings” and that Trump should “focus on the U.S.” The statement stirred widespread outrage amid rising diplomatic tension following Trump’s warning of possible military action in Nigeria.

“The post is a total falsehood — a product of mischief and a desperate attempt to incite misunderstanding between Senator Akpabio and President Trump,” Eyiboh stated.


He clarified that Akpabio, known for his diplomatic approach and global reputation, holds Trump in “high regard as a leader of a great nation” and would “never issue comments on matters concerning U.S. domestic affairs or Nigeria’s foreign policy.”

The Senate President’s office condemned the post as “digital recklessness aimed at tarnishing reputations and inflaming diplomatic sentiments,” urging social media users to verify information before sharing.

Trump’s earlier post on Truth Social — where he threatened potential U.S. military intervention in Nigeria to tackle “Islamic terrorists” — has continued to generate global debate.

“Freedom of expression is not freedom to lie,” Eyiboh warned, calling for responsible communication online.


Akpabio’s office reaffirmed that the Senate remains focused on strengthening democratic institutions and maintaining Nigeria’s global diplomatic respect.

“They Want to Silence Me!” — Sowore Slams Lagos CP Over ‘Wanted’ Declaration, Says Police Ignored His Calls

Human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has blasted the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP Olohundare Jimoh, for allegedly declaring him wanted over claims of inciting public disorder.

Sowore, who reacted on his social media handle on Monday, described the police action as a deliberate attempt to intimidate and silence him after officers disrupted a planned gathering in the Oworonshoki area of Lagos.

“The Lagos Police Commissioner, Moshood Jimoh, has reportedly declared me wanted for ‘disturbance of public peace,’ simply because his men failed to execute an unlawful ‘shoot-on-sight’ order from the IGP,” Sowore stated.


He further revealed that despite several calls to the Commissioner, Jimoh refused to answer, adding that he plans to meet with him soon to clarify the situation.

Earlier, the Lagos Police Command had announced Sowore’s “wanted” status, alleging that he and his associates planned to disrupt major routes in the state, including the Third Mainland Bridge, Lekki Tollgate, and Freedom Park.

“It is only someone who needs examination that would attempt to block such a vital route used by thousands daily,” CP Jimoh told journalists.


The commissioner confirmed that 13 suspects had already been arrested in connection with the planned demonstration, while Sowore allegedly fled. He assured that police operatives had been deployed across key areas to safeguard public infrastructure.

Jimoh also addressed concerns over recent demolitions in the Oworonshoki area, maintaining that all affected residents were duly compensated and warning against using the situation as a pretext for unrest.

“We will not tolerate anyone attempting to destabilize Lagos. Freedom of expression is guaranteed, but it must not threaten public peace,” he emphasized.

Sowore, however, insists the move was politically motivated, calling it an attempt to distort facts and criminalize dissent.

Lere Olayinka Counters Sowore’s Court Claims, Says ‘Free Speech Isn’t a License for Defamation’

On Monday, October 6, 2025, Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media to FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, reacted to a post by activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore regarding his ongoing legal battle with the Department of State Services (DSS).

Sowore had earlier taken to his X handle to share updates from a court hearing involving himself, Meta, and X (formerly Twitter). The activist revealed that the companies were dragged into the case over alleged defamatory posts — one of which labeled President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (BAT) a criminal.

According to Sowore, Meta’s legal representative appeared to side with the DSS during the hearing, sparking online discussions about freedom of expression and digital censorship in Nigeria.

In response, Olayinka fired back on his own X page, emphasizing that freedom of speech does not include making unfounded criminal allegations against individuals.

The online exchange reignited public debate about free speech, accountability, and Nigeria’s cybercrime laws, particularly given Sowore’s history with the DSS following his 2019 #RevolutionNow movement.

As of now, neither side has escalated the matter further, but Nigerians are closely watching as the court proceedings unfold and the debate over digital rights continues.

Tunisian Man Sentenced to Death Over Facebook Posts Criticising President.

A Tunisian court has sentenced a 56-year-old man to death for allegedly insulting President Kais Saied and undermining state security through Facebook posts, his lawyer and the Tunisian League for Human Rights confirmed on Friday.

The ruling has been described as unprecedented in the North African country, where restrictions on free speech have tightened since Saied assumed sweeping powers in 2021.

The defendant, Saber Chouchane, a day labourer with limited education, was arrested last year after publishing online criticism of the president. 

His lawyer, Oussama Bouthalja, said: “The judge in the Nabeul court sentenced the man to death over Facebook posts. It is a shocking and unprecedented ruling.” He added that an appeal has already been lodged.

Although Tunisian courts occasionally issue death sentences, the country has not carried out an execution in more than three decades.

Chouchane’s brother, Jamal, expressed disbelief, telling Reuters: “We can’t believe it. We are a family suffering from poverty, and now oppression and injustice have been added to poverty.”

The judgement has sparked widespread outrage on social media, with activists and citizens accusing authorities of attempting to silence critics through fear. Observers warn the ruling could intensify political tensions and further erode freedom of expression.

Since dissolving parliament and ruling by decree, Saied has faced mounting criticism from rights groups and opposition leaders, many of whom are imprisoned on various charges after being labelled “traitors” by the president.