Jabeur Mejri
Jabeur Mejri was arrested on March 5, 2012, after two lawyers in the eastern coastal city of Mahdia filed a complaint against him in connection with his online posts, which included ‘nude' cartoons of the prophet Muhammad. On March 28, 2012, a primary court ruled that his posts were insulting to Islam and a threat to "public order" and morality. Merji was later sentenced to seven and half years in prison – the maximum punishment for each of the charges – along with a fine of 1200 Tunisian Dinars (around $800 USD). On April 25, 2013, the Court of Cassation upheld Mejri's sentence and ordered that he complete the remaining 6 years of his sentence. According to Mejri's lawyer, Mejri was tortured during his interrogation and was later attacked on several occasions by other inmates inside the prison once the news that he had ‘insulted Islam' had spread. His family has described him as ‘emotionally tired' from what they insist is unjust imprisonment.
Jabeur Mejri was RELEASED on March 5, 2014 after receiving a pardon.