The criminal chamber at the Tunis Court of Appeal confirmed the two-year prison sentence handed down at first instance against Abir Moussi, president of the Free Destourian Party. The decision concerns a case initiated by the Independent High Authority for Elections and linked to the use of communications networks and the dissemination of false information.
The appeal court validated the verdict rendered by the Tunis court of first instance, which sentenced Abir Moussi to two years in prison. The information was confirmed by his lawyer, Me Nafaa Laâribi, to Agence Tunis-Afrique-Presse.
This decision puts an end to the appeal procedure in this specific case, initiated by the Independent High Authority for Elections (ISIE).
The charges retained
Abir Moussi is being prosecuted for using information and communication networks and systems to produce and disseminate false information, with the intention of harming public security. She is also accused of attributing false statements to third parties for the purpose of defamation and nuisance.
The alleged facts fall within the framework of the application of article 24 of decree-law no. 2022-54 of September 13, 2022, relating to the fight against offenses linked to information and communication systems.
Contesting the composition of the court
During the procedure, the president of the Free Destourian Party challenged the competence of the president of the chamber which examined the case. According to the defense, this magistrate would have previously been a member of an independent regional body for the elections, a situation that Abir Moussi’s lawyers consider to constitute a conflict of interest.
This objection was, however, not accepted by the court, which confirmed the initial judgment.
Abir Moussi has been incarcerated since October 3, 2023 in connection with several legal cases. In addition to this case linked to the ISIE, she is the subject of other proceedings, notably in a second case initiated by the electoral body as well as in the so-called “registry office” file of the Presidency of the Republic.
