In a statement to Tunisie Numériquetoday, Wednesday, March 6, 2024, lawyer Mounir Ben Salha underscored the prevalence of electronic crimes perpetrated through the Internet, such as blackmail, threats, and even terrorism, targeting teenagers and children under the age of 18. He remarked that Tunisian law, through the Child Protection Code, safeguards these young people.
Ben Salha elaborated that these children might be victims of sexual exploitation and blackmail, leading some to rob their families out of fear of the consequences of having potentially damaging pictures released. He highlighted the existence of individuals specializing in the blackmail of teenagers and children, especially girls.
He continued by explaining that while Tunisian law may not provide absolute protection against such practices, it does offer protection to those impacted by enforcing prison sentences for perpetrators if the crime is proven.
Furthermore, the lawyer stated that penalties range from 5 years to life imprisonment, depending on the nature of the crime committed. He explained that “child exploitation” is a broad term encompassing various offences, underscoring that Tunisian law penalizes anyone who infringes upon the dignity, physical integrity, or family of a child.
Ben Salha urged all parents to consult lawyers and file complaints with the Public Prosecutor if their children fall victim to any of the mentioned crimes. This would allow the initiation of essential legal proceedings, the formal description of the act, and the launch of an investigative study into the matter.