diff --git a/src/httpaste/controller/paste/__init__.py b/src/httpaste/controller/paste/__init__.py
index bd0a076..08a74a1 100644
--- a/src/httpaste/controller/paste/__init__.py
+++ b/src/httpaste/controller/paste/__init__.py
@@ -100,11 +100,13 @@ def get(**kwargs):
         else:
             paste_model.remove(pid, backend.paste)
 
+    if encoding is not None:
+        data = data.decode(encoding)
+
     if syntax is not None:
         data = highlight(data, str(syntax), formatter, linenos)
 
-    if encoding is not None:
-        data = data.decode(encoding)
+
 
     return ConnexionResponse(
         status_code=200,