The National Union of Tunisian Journalists (SNJT) renewed its call on an urgent revision of the decree-law No. 54 of 2022 on Wednesday, in particular of its article 24, deemed threatening for press and expression. This declaration comes while the general legislation commission of the Assembly of People’s Representatives began the first discussions on the draft amendment to the decree.
In a statement published on this occasion, the union reaffirmed its position in favor of the repeal of the provisions of decree 54 which allow legal proceedings against journalists and citizens for publications on social networks. The SNJT claims that press affairs be processed exclusively on the basis of decree 115 of 2011, guaranteeing the rights of journalists and the principles of a fair trial.
The SNJT also denounces the abusive instrumentalization of decree 54 by certain jurisdictions, pointing to both a dysfunction of the judicial system and a blurred legal formulation which facilitates damage to fundamental freedoms. Hundreds of citizens from all walks of life were targeted, according to the SNJT, by “heavy and arbitrary” convictions.
At the same time, the SNJT welcomed the parliamentary proposal aimed at introducing a new school discipline: media education and communication, as well as the creation of the position of specialized professor, intended to be entrusted to graduates of the Press Institute and Information Sciences (IPSI).
This initiative, according to the union, marks an important step towards the formation of a critical spirit among young people, the fight against disinformation, the strengthening of the values of citizenship and diversity, and the professional integration of young journalists.
