Tunisia’s Saied Amends Cybercrime Decree, Replacing Prison Terms With Fines

Tunisian President Kais Saied has issued a decision amending Decree 54 on cybercrime, introducing financial fines in place of imprisonment for the first time.

The change marks a shift in the decree’s approach to punishment. The available summary does not specify the size of the fines or which provisions are covered by the amendment.

Journalists have responded with cautious approval, welcoming the move away from prison sentences while maintaining their demand for the decree to be repealed.

Their response draws a distinction between easing penalties and scrapping the legislation altogether. Although the amendment changes the sanctions, it leaves Decree 54 in place.