TUNIS, Tunisia — A recent rumor that Tunisian President Beji Caid Essebsi had died sparked controversy in the country’s popular and political circles. Essebsi, the world's oldest democratically elected head of state, celebrated his 91st birthday Nov. 29.

The rumor flared up Nov. 17 after a false story about Essebsi’s death was posted in Arabic on a fake Facebook account claiming to belong to the France 24 TV channel. On Nov. 27, France 24 said it was initiating legal proceedings against those who illegally used its logo to promote the rumor of the president's death, according to Tunisian news websites.

Initial investigations into the matter revealed a political party was involved, presidential spokeswoman Saida Garrach told Shems, a private radio station, on Nov. 20. Garrach said two people were detained Nov. 19 after an investigation and admitted being affiliated with a specific political party. She declined to name the party until an investigation is completed.

Garrach's statement opened the door to a wide debate about whether the rumor was designed to be a psychological sparring tool between Tunisian political opponents and as a means to settle accounts between the ruling parties and the opposition. The rumor spread quickly on social media in light of the president’s age and questions raised about his health.