President Kais Saied’s government introduced Decree 54 last year, ostensibly to curb fake news. This was amid growing popular opposition to his political coup in July 2021 and the arbitrary adoption of a new constitution

Despite promises to focus all efforts towards combating the pandemic, many states used the pretext of the lockdown to intensify repression of people’s movements and dissenting voices

Ismail was sent to 14 days in judicial remand after he was arrested on October 24 on charges falling under the draconian anti-terror laws in the country. He faces a possible seven-year jail term if convicted.