Tunisia has released Sonia Dahmani, a prominent lawyer and vocal critic of President Kais Saied, after a year and a half in prison. Dahmani expressed hope that her freedom would set a precedent for the release of other critics and political prisoners.

Dahmani, also a media commentator, is considered one of Tunisia’s leading dissenting voices. Her arrest in 2024 sparked local protests and drew international criticism. She was convicted for statements made during a television appearance questioning the government’s treatment of undocumented African migrants, with the court ruling that her comments insulted Tunisia and spread false information intended to harm the country.

As she left Manouba prison, dozens of family members and activists chanted: “The police state's era of repression is over.” Dahmani told reporters, “I hope this is the end of the nightmare for me and all the other prisoners.”

Her lawyer, Sami Ben Ghazi, noted that the justice minister issued a release order under a system allowing prisoners to apply for early release after serving half of their sentence. The Journalists' Syndicate welcomed Dahmani’s release and called for the freedom of other detained journalists.

Human rights groups and activists have criticized Saied’s government, saying his actions since 2021—when he seized most powers, dissolved parliament, and began ruling by decree—have led to widespread arrests of opposition figures, journalists, and other critics. Saied rejects these claims, insisting that his actions are legal and aimed at ending corruption and chaos.

Dahmani’s release is seen as a significant moment in Tunisia’s ongoing struggle over dissent, press freedom, and political accountability.