Tunisia: Tunisians face imprisonment for reporters’ accusations within one year of each other; A judicial official said they were accused of endangering the public safety with their fake news as fears grew on whether all critical voices would be silenced.
Both Mourad Zghidi and Borhan Bsaiss, who are journalists in the IFM radio station, were arrested this month for engaging in discussions of political nature over the airwaves.
According to Journalists Syndicate in Tunisia, which is the country’s major media union, there are six journalists who are currently jailed including Zguidi and Bases as well as dozens others who have been ordered to appear before court.
In May Amnesty International stated that ten people among them lawyers, journalists and civil society officials had been arrested during what it referred to as a massive crackdown on activists and journalists. Human Rights Watch tells Tunisia to respect freedom of speech alongside civil liberties.
“After posting some social media messages or comments on the airwaves that endangered public safety; The judge sentenced them for one year,” Mohamed Zitouna commented while speaking about Tunisian Court’s spokesman.
Bsaiss’ and Zghidi’s lawyers could not immediately be reached for comment.
“I am presenter I host all topics that’s journalism” Basses told the court during his trial
The same happened with Zguidi at that meeting.
“I didn’t make any fault… My job requires analyzing political economic situation … I accept my responsibility.” He said
Tunisian journalists gathered near the court on Wednesday protesting ongoing limitations on their work.
“Journalism has become an open prison in Tunisia”, said Zied Dabar, president of Journalists’ Syndicate
“The threats faced by journalist in Tunisia unprecedentedly .We will escalate them step by step.” He added without providing details.
Since 2011 when we experienced a revolution, Tunisia has been known as one of Middle Eastern countries which has had the most open media environments.
However, politicians, media and trade unions are saying there are serious threats to press freedom under the reign of Kais Saied, elected president in 2019 after free elections.
Two years later he closed down the parliament which was an elected body governing through decree and took over in the judiciary- a move that opposition described as coup d’état.
The allegations are refuted by Saied who says his actions will bring order to Tunisia’s chaotic system plagued with corruption.
