In Tunisia, two journalists were detained as part of a crackdown on government critics, including lawyers and the press. This recent wave of arrests has sparked concern among the country’s international allies. Prominent figures such as migration activist Saadia Mosbah, France 24 cameraman Hamdi Tlili, and lawyer Sonia Dahmani were among those arrested. Tlili was released without charges, while journalist Borhen Bsaies and columnist Mourad Zeghidi remained in pre-trial detention for allegedly violating a cybercrime law prohibiting fake news and undermining state security.
Criticism of President Kais Saied is often cited as a reason for charging individuals with undermining state security. Reporters Without Borders described the arrests as a “frontal attack on press freedom” and called for an end to the government’s authoritarian actions. The European Union, Tunisia’s top trade partner, expressed concern over the arrests and highlighted the importance of upholding freedoms of expression and association, as guaranteed by the Tunisian Constitution. The United States also engaged Tunisia on the issue, emphasizing the importance of respecting universal rights and the rule of law.
The arrests under the controversial cybercrime law Decree 54 have drawn criticism from various groups, including the country’s largest labor union and the General Union of Journalists. These organizations condemned the law as a tool to suppress freedom of expression and underscored the potential consequences faced by the detained journalists. The arrests are seen as part of a pattern of political repression under President Saied’s leadership, casting a shadow over the upcoming presidential election expected this fall, with leading opposition parties likely to boycott the contest.
The international community has expressed alarm over the situation in Tunisia, where political arrests have become increasingly common in recent years. The arrests of journalists and government critics have raised concerns about the erosion of democratic principles and the rule of law in the country. Calls for the release of the detained individuals and respect for fundamental rights continue to mount, as Tunisia’s allies monitor the situation closely and seek to uphold democratic values in the region. The fate of the detained journalists remains uncertain, as they face the threat of fines and imprisonment if found guilty in court. Time will tell how these recent events will impact Tunisia’s political landscape and its relationships with international partners.
