Tunisian journalists protest media crackdown after colleague’s arrest

Africa

TUNIS, Tunisia (Reuters) — Tunisian journalists and activists have protested in the capital, Tunis, demanding the release of prominent journalist Mohamed Yousfi, whose arrest has intensified concerns over press freedom and the treatment of independent voices under President Kais Saied.

The protesters gathered on Tuesday outside a court where a judge was questioning Yousfi over allegations of illicit enrichment and money laundering. Critics of the government have described the charges as politically motivated and aimed at punishing him for his journalism.

Yousfi, a vocal critic of Saied and editor-in-chief of investigative news website Al-Qatiba, was arrested last Friday while preparing to enter Express FM Radio to participate in a programme.

His arrest has drawn widespread condemnation from rights groups and journalists’ organisations, which say the case is contributing to a climate of fear among media professionals.

“The situation is dark and difficult. Journalists who disturb the authorities are facing legal persecution and fabricated charges,” Zied Dabbar, head of the Tunisian journalists’ syndicate SNJT, told Reuters.

“Today journalists either end up in exile or in prison… But we will resist,” he said.

Several Tunisian media figures have been jailed this year, including Zied Heni, Mourad Zghidi and Borhen Bsaies, while Khaoula Boukrim was sentenced in absentia in June to four years in prison.

Press freedom expanded following the 2011 uprising that toppled former President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali and triggered pro-democracy protests across the Arab world known as the Arab Spring.

However, critics say Saied’s consolidation of power in 2021 and subsequent decrees have weakened democratic safeguards and enabled authorities to pursue journalists, politicians, activists and other critics.

Leaders of Tunisia’s main opposition parties have also been jailed in recent years, alongside dozens of politicians, activists, journalists and businessmen facing charges including conspiracy against state security, money laundering and corruption.

Saied has rejected accusations that he is a dictator and maintains that freedoms are guaranteed in Tunisia.