The Jendouba court of first instance delivered a long-awaited judgment on Monday in a case which has pitted MP Hatem Houaoui against the region’s delegate for more than a year. The criminal chamber sentenced the parliamentarian to three years in prison, finding him guilty of attributing “unproven” facts to a public official, with the intention of defaming him, damaging his reputation and provoking acts of aggression against him, reports Mosaique FM.
According to the decision displayed in the court lobby, the charges relate to the publication of a video recording and online content deemed defamatory.
The MP is also convicted of attributing illegal acts to a public official without providing evidence, as well as for misuse of communications networks for nuisance purposes. The whole thing was qualified as a “real combination of offenses” within the meaning of article 55 of the Penal Code.
The case dates back to 2023, before the election of the deputy to the Assembly of People’s Representatives. The Jendouba delegate then filed a complaint claiming to be the target of defamatory publications published by the future deputy on social networks. After several hearings and expert opinions, the case was referred to the criminal chamber, which finally made a decision.
The MP’s defense is expected to appeal in the coming days.
