Freed Tunisian lawyer Sonia Dahmani says release a 'major surprise'
Posted on: Nov 28, 2025 01:05 IST | Posted by: Hindustantimes
Having simply been released from prison house, Tunisian attorney and editorialist Sonia Dahmani told AFP on th that her freedom was a "major surprise".
The sharp critic of President Kais Saied was granted conditional release hours earlier, following 18 months in prison over comments she made on radio and television denouncing racism in Tunisia.
Her imprisonment was based on a presidential decree that criminalises the spreading of false information, which has come under fierce criticism from rights groups.
Here is her interview with AFP.
Did you expect to be released?
"Honestly, when they told me to leave I thought that it was to change prisons. And finally, it was the end of this nightmare.
"I was extremely surprised, I didn't expect it at all. But when one is granted conditional release, one never knows in advance. It's like this for all prisoners. They come to inform you and you leave right away. For me, it was a shock and emotional."
What were your detention conditions like?
"They are practically the same as in all prisons. The only women's prison is La Manouba civil prison. Unfortunately, it is an old prison and does not meet standards at all. The basics are there, but it is far from comfortable. We would like more space, because the prisons are overcrowded. We would like better hygiene conditions, better food, etc."
Now that you are out on conditional release, what will happen to you?
"I have several ongoing cases, still based on Decree 54 against 'fake news'. I have to appear before a judge tomorrow morning already, at the court of appeal. And another case is scheduled for December 26. There is also an investigation for which I have not yet been heard, also based on Decree 54.
"I am not a woman to flee or avoid the courts. I will present myself each time I am summoned and we will see it through to the end, waiting for the infamous Article 24 to be abolished.
"The path to hell is paved with good intentions. That decree was promulgated at the time to prevent abuses on social media, but in the end, it was very poorly interpreted.
"But it won't last a long time. Everyone has fully realised that this Article 24 is extremely dangerous for our freedoms and so I think that we will see all these people detained under Article 24 of Decree 54 being released."
ak-fka/gl/dcp/ds
This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
Global News Perspectives
In today's interconnected world, staying informed about global events is more important than ever. ZisNews provides news coverage from multiple countries, allowing you to compare how different regions report on the same stories. This unique approach helps you gain a broader and more balanced understanding of international affairs. Whether it's politics, business, technology, or cultural trends, ZisNews ensures that you get a well-rounded perspective rather than a one-sided view. Expand your knowledge and see how global narratives unfold from different angles.
Customizable News Feed
At ZisNews, we understand that not every news story interests everyone. That's why we offer a customizable news feed, allowing you to control what you see. By adding keywords, you can filter out unwanted news, blocking articles that contain specific words in their titles or descriptions. This feature enables you to create a personalized experience where you only receive content that aligns with your interests. Register today to take full advantage of this functionality and enjoy a distraction-free news feed.
Like or Comment on News
Stay engaged with the news by interacting with stories that matter to you. Like or dislike articles based on your opinion, and share your thoughts in the comments section. Join discussions, see what others are saying, and be a part of an informed community that values meaningful conversations.
Download the Android App
For a seamless news experience, download the ZisNews Android app. Get instant notifications based on your selected categories and stay updated on breaking news. The app also allows you to block unwanted news, ensuring that you only receive content that aligns with your preferences. Stay connected anytime, anywhere.
Diverse News Categories
With ZisNews, you can explore a wide range of topics, ensuring that you never miss important developments. From Technology and Science to Sports, Politics, and Entertainment, we bring you the latest updates from the world's most trusted sources. Whether you are interested in groundbreaking scientific discoveries, tech innovations, or major sports events, our platform keeps you updated in real-time. Our carefully curated news selection helps you stay ahead, providing accurate and relevant stories tailored to diverse interests.
No comments yet.