Sonia Dahmani, a well-known attorney and president critic, gets released by Tunisia

Sonia Dahmani, a well-known attorney and outspoken opponent of President Kais Saied, was released from prison on Thursday after serving a year and a half. She expressed her hope that her release will open the door for dozens of other critics to be released as well.

Her imprisonment last year sparked international outrage and local protests calling for her release. Dahmani, a television pundit, is largely regarded as a prominent dissenting voice in Tunisia.

She was found guilty for remarks she made during a TV appearance that raised concerns about the government’s position on undocumented African migrants in Tunisia. According to the court, the remarks disparaged her nation and disseminated false information meant to cause harm to it.

Dozens of Dahmani’s relatives and campaigners shouted, “The police state’s era of repression is over,” as she was released from Manouba prison.

As she expressed to reporters, “I hope this is the end of the nightmare for me and all the other prisoners.”

According to her attorney Sami Ben Ghazi, the justice minister had granted a release order in accordance with a procedure that permits inmates to request release after completing half of their terms.

In addition to applauding Dahmani’s release, the Journalists’ Syndicate demanded that other journalists who were detained be released as well.

According to local and international rights organizations, Dahmani’s incarceration last year was part of a broader crackdown on dissent in the nation in North Africa.

Since Saied disbanded the elected parliament, took possession of most powers in 2021, and started ruling by decree—actions the opposition has referred to as a coup—the majority of opposition politicians, certain journalists, and Saied’s detractors have been imprisoned.

Rejecting the charges, Saied claims his actions are lawful and intended to put an end to years of unrest and widespread corruption.

According to human rights organizations and activists, Saied has transformed Tunisia into an outdoor prison and is targeting his political rivals with the help of the police and courts.

Saied claims he is holding everyone equally accountable, regardless of their name or position, and he denies these accusations.