Tunisian Court Reduces Sentence, Orders Immediate Release
A Tunisian appeals court on Wednesday cut the prison sentence of journalist Chatha Belhaj Mubarak from five years to two, clearing the way for her immediate release, her family confirmed. Belhaj Mubarak had been jailed since 2023 in connection with a high-profile conspiracy case.
Her brother said she walked out of detention following the ruling, ending a lengthy period behind bars that had taken a serious toll on her health.
Health Struggles and Legal Battle
During her imprisonment, Belhaj Mubarak’s health reportedly deteriorated significantly. Her family noted she experienced major complications, including substantial hearing loss and a cancer diagnosis, which fueled calls from advocacy groups for her release on medical grounds before the appeal decision.
Belhaj Mubarak consistently denied the charges against her throughout the legal proceedings.
Broader Context: Prosecutions of Journalists and Political Figures in Tunisia
The case is part of a larger series of prosecutions involving politicians, media professionals and activists tied to the so-called “Instalingo” affair, in which defendants were accused of conspiracy and financial crimes. Tunisian authorities maintain these are legitimate judicial investigations, while critics argue that such cases reflect a tightening of legal pressure on critics of the government.
Her release highlights ongoing tensions over freedom of expression, judicial processes and the treatment of journalists in Tunisia.
