Tunisian journalist Mohamed Boughalleb was placed under pre-trial detention after a court hearing where he mentioned the possibility of publishing reports on corruption and the misuse of public funds by several ministers and public institutions. His arrest came just days after being accused of insulting a public official on social media. As Tunisia prepares for a presidential election later this year, Boughalleb’s arrest has drawn criticism from free speech advocates in the country that was at the forefront of the Arab Spring movement.
Boughalleb, a well-known journalist and frequent critic of Tunisia’s president, is facing the possibility of a two to four-year prison sentence when he goes to trial next month, according to his lawyer. His arrest highlights a concerning trend in Tunisia, where a controversial 2022 law known as Decree 54 has been used to target journalists and political opponents. Human Rights Watch has raised concerns about the law being used to silence critics and limit freedom of expression in the country.
The president of Tunisia’s National Journalist Syndicate, Zied Dabbar, has spoken out against the routine pursuit of journalists in the country, noting that eight journalists currently face trial. He emphasized the importance of journalists uncovering corruption and misuse of public funds, even if it means facing repercussions from those in power. Boughalleb’s court hearing revealed his intention to expose corruption within the government, setting the stage for a potentially contentious trial as Tunisia prepares for a presidential election.
Boughalleb’s arrest comes at a time when President Kais Saied is expected to seek a second term in office. Since coming to power in 2019 on an anti-corruption platform, Saied has faced criticism for suspending Tunisia’s parliament, rewriting the constitution to consolidate his own power, and limiting the independence of the judiciary. This has led to increased scrutiny of his critics and political opponents, creating a challenging environment for journalists and activists seeking to hold the government accountable.
The use of Decree 54 to target journalists and opposition figures has raised concerns among civil liberties advocates in Tunisia. The law, originally intended to combat cybercrime, is being used to suppress dissent and limit freedom of expression in the country. Critics argue that the law is being misused to silence those who speak out against government corruption and abuses of power, creating a chilling effect on investigative journalism and public discourse.
As Tunisia navigates a complex political landscape ahead of the upcoming presidential election, the case of Mohamed Boughalleb highlights the ongoing challenges faced by journalists and activists in the country. Despite pressure from authorities, many continue to push back against government censorship and pursue stories that expose corruption and wrongdoing within the government. Boughalleb’s trial next month will be closely watched as a test of Tunisia’s commitment to freedom of the press and protection of civil liberties in the post-Arab Spring era.
