The Islamist Ennahdha group in Tunisia recently introduced a bill that threatens both freedom of expression and freedom of speech.
If passed, it will criminalize individuals for offending "sacred values" related to religion, which include but are not limited to the holy books, the prophet Muhammad, Allah, Kaaba, mosques, churches, and synagogues, and anything else deemed "sacred" by the government. Offensive actions include insults, irony, sarcasm, mockery, etc. in the form of acts, images, words, or offensive representation.
Anyone who is found guilty of these actions can face up to two years in prison and thousands of dollars in fines, or four years for those that repeatedly break the law.
Please tell the Ennahdha group in Tunisia to fight for the freedoms of speech and expression, not take them away!
Dear Ennahdha Group,
I am writing to you all today concerning a bill that was recently introduced in Tunisia that goes against the freedom of speech and the freedom of expression.
The bill would criminalize offensive acts against religion, resulting in prison time and heavy fines.
The people of Tunisia deserve the right to express themselves and speak freely regardless of whether it is deemed "offensive" or not.
Please fight for these rights, not work to take them away.
Thank you for your time.
