Tunisian actor and comedian Lotfi Abdelli has been sentenced in absentia to 18 months in prison by a Tunisian court, a decision he attributes to political motives. The artist claims the ruling aims to silence critical voices amid rising tensions surrounding freedom of expression in Tunisia.
According to local media, Abdelli was prosecuted for "insulting state officials" and "offending public morals," in connection with a play he performed several years ago. The case has sparked reactions, as the comedian is known for his satirical performances targeting the political class.
In recent months, Lotfi Abdelli has intensified his criticism of President Kaïs Saïed, particularly regarding the country's political and economic management. In a recently released video, he compared the head of state to a "king," accusing him of failing to provide concrete solutions and of imprisoning his opponents.
Reached by phone from Paris, where he currently resides, the artist strongly denounced the court's decision. "This judgment aims to intimidate artists, to silence free and critical voices. It's a political verdict," he declared, believing that this conviction constitutes a direct attack on freedom of expression.
Abdelli, 56, is a popular figure in Tunisia, where his shows regularly sell out. Known for his provocative style, he has long caricatured political figures, following in a satirical tradition that developed after the 2011 revolution.
The issue of freedom of expression in Tunisia remains sensitive since the political shift initiated by Kaïs Saïed in 2021, when he began to rule by decree. Human rights organizations have since denounced a decline in freedoms and increased repression of dissent, reviving concerns about the country's democratic future.
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