Tunisian comedian Abdelli sentenced in absentia, says ruling targets free speech

By Tarek AmaraTUNIS, April 17 (Reuters) - Tunisian comedian and actor Lotfi Abdelli said on Friday a court in Tunisia had sentenced him in absentia to 18 months in prison over a play he performed years ago, and described the ruling as politically motivated and aimed at stifling critical voices.Tunisian media reported that Abdelli had been charged with insulting state officials and offending public morals.