Federation of Arab Journalists raises alarm over freedom of press in Tunisia

Cairo-based Federation of Arab Journalists (FAJ) has expressed concerns about the situation of freedom of press in Tunisia after President of the Tunisian journalists’ union has been targeted by a lawsuit lodged by the state against him.

Mohamed Yassine Jelassi Tuesday indicated his lawyer informed him that security authorities have lodged a lawsuit against him for insulting a security officer and obstructing traffic during a July sit-in staged by their union, the SNJT. He however indicated he has not yet been summoned.

The FAJ in a statement expressed support for the SNJT and condemned the lawsuit against its leader.

The federation urges, moreover, the Tunisian government to honor its international commitments and opt for dialogue and negotiation. The union also indicated it is concerned about developments in the situation of journalists in Tunisia.

The FAJ also denounced the “serious threats” to Tunisian journalists’ economic rights.

The Cairo-based organization also deplored the repeated attacks on Tunisian journalists, victims of illegal prosecutions contrary to the laws regulating the profession in the North Africa country, including the latest attack on the SJNT.

Press freedom has declined in Tunisia since a power grab by President Kais Saied in July 2021, leading to fears of a setback for press freedom, Reporters Without Borders (RSF) said in a report in January.

Between 2021 and 2022, Tunisia dropped from 73 to 94 in RSF Press Freedom Index, the organization added.