Two Tunisian students who were detained for their involvement in a satirical song that criticized the police have been released by a Tunisian court.
The court’s decision came following a call from President Kais Saied, who deemed their detention “unacceptable” in light of the public outcry.
Youssef Chelbi, 27, and Dhia Nsir, 26, had shared a video on TikTok and Facebook that scrutinized the treatment of detainees by the police and voiced opposition to laws concerning drug use.
Their arrest triggered widespread online criticism, with many Tunisians sharing the song in solidarity.
This year, there has been a surge in the arrests of prominent figures who oppose President Saied, as he has governed by decree since assuming power in 2021.
On Thursday, numerous journalists staged a demonstration to protest what they perceive as repressive anti-terror laws aimed at intimidating the media.
Holding signs outside the national journalists’ union headquarters, they asserted that press freedom is crucial for preserving liberty.