In a move that has heightened concerns over press freedom in Tunisia, prominent journalist Mohamed Boughalleb was detained on Friday, accused of insulting a public official. This incident, according to the journalists’ union, appears to be a targeted effort to silence critical journalistic voices in the country.
Boughalleb, known for his critical stance against President Kais Saied, was taken into custody following a complaint by a public sector employee, alleging that he had insulted her on social media and reiterated the insult during a radio broadcast. The specifics of the insult and the identity of the complainant remain undisclosed, as stated by Judge Mohamed Zitouna, the spokesperson for the public prosecutor. The forthcoming court session is expected to determine the continuation or cessation of Boughalleb’s detention.
The arrest sparked immediate backlash from the journalistic community and human rights activists, igniting a widespread campaign advocating for freedom of speech and the press in Tunisia. These groups have directly appealed to President Saied, urging an end to the increasingly restrictive measures against media freedom. President Saied’s tenure has been marked by a series of actions that have raised alarms regarding the state of democracy in Tunisia. In 2021, he notably dissolved the elected parliament and assumed legislative powers, later extending his control to the judiciary. These moves have been met with mixed reactions, both domestically and internationally, with some viewing them as necessary for the country’s stability and others as a significant regression in Tunisia’s democratic progress.
The backdrop of these events is Tunisia’s struggle with maintaining the freedoms gained following the 2011 revolution, which set the country on a path towards democracy and significantly opened up its media landscape. The revolution heralded a new era for Tunisian press freedom, positioning its media as one of the most liberal in the Arab world.
Yet, the current climate under President Saied’s rule presents a stark contrast to the post-revolutionary aspirations of a free and independent press. Elected in 2019, Saied’s administration has faced accusations of undermining press freedom, claims that the President vehemently denies, asserting his commitment to democracy and refuting any aspirations towards dictatorship.
The National Syndicate of Tunisian Journalists has been vocal in demanding Boughalleb’s immediate release, signaling a readiness to undertake all necessary measures to safeguard freedom of expression. This situation emphasizes a critical moment for Tunisia, as it grapples with the balance between national stability and the fundamental rights of free speech and press, especially in the lead-up to the anticipated presidential elections.
