TUNIS, Tunisia (AP) — A judge in Tunisia sentenced a journalist and political commentator to six months in prison in the country’s latest assault on members of the media who criticize the government.
Mohamed Boughalleb, who had been charged with insulting a public official, was sentenced Wednesday and will remain behind bars, where he has been since his arrest last month after an official lodged a complaint against him.
The official alleged he was harmed by Boughalleb’s commentary linking him to corruption and misuse of public funds.
The complaint from a member of Tunisia’s Ministry of Religious Affairs came after Boughalleb on Facebook questioned trips abroad that the civil servant made with the minister and called them a “waste of public funds.”
He was subsequently charged with violating defamation laws in Tunisia’s penal and telecommunications code.
Inside Emma Roberts' $3.6M 'grown
Chile recalls ambassador to Venezuela for consultations
Friendship Blossoms on the Belt and Road
Venezuelan, Colombian leaders meet on bilateral ties
Party's over: Coyotes end tenure in the desert with raucous atmosphere before move
Brazilian president inaugurates 1st shipment of meat exports to China
China's new factory data evidence of good momentum in its economy: FM spokesperson
Foreign Ministry urges US to conduct swift probe into San Francisco consulate car crash
Taylor Swift fan Ina Garten, 76, reveals even SHE struggled to buy Eras Tour tickets
Xi Meets Antigua and Barbuda's Prime Minister