The Tunisian justice system has ruled. MP Ahmed Saïdani was sentenced on Thursday, February 20, 2026, to eight months in prison by the Tunis Court of First Instance. His crime? Ridiculed President Kaïs Saïed's omnipresence on the ground following devastating floods.

A metaphor that doesn't work

The case dates back to early February. In a social media post, Ahmed Saïdani, a member of the "National Sovereign Line" bloc, mocked the media-covered visits of the head of state to areas affected by torrential rains.

The MP had, in particular:

1. He described the president as the "Supreme Commander of Sanitation and Stormwater Drainage" .
2. It was claimed that Kaïs Saïed sometimes seemed to "forget his presidential function" by spending his days "thinking between pipes and lanterns".

Article 86 of the Telecommunications Code at the heart of the verdict

According to his lawyer, Houssem Eddine Ben Attia, the parliamentarian was prosecuted under Article 86 of the Telecommunications Code . This article punishes with one to two years' imprisonment anyone who intentionally harms others or disturbs their peace via public networks.

From allegiance to condemnation

Ahmed Saïdani's trajectory underscores the gradual closure of the Tunisian political landscape. Once a fervent supporter of the July 2021 coup, he had backed the suspension of the previous parliament and the arrest of opposition figures. Today, he too has joined the ranks of those whose voices have been silenced.

Context: Since 2021, national and international NGOs have been warning of a clear decline in fundamental freedoms in Tunisia, denouncing a concentration of power and increased repression of all forms of dissent, even within the pro-presidential camp.