This Tuesday marks a painful milestone for Tunisian journalism: 500 days have passed since the arrest of journalist Mourad Zeghidi and the animator Borhène Bsaïesarrested on May 11, 2024. The National Union of Tunisian Journalists (SNJT) denounces what he describes as “arbitrary arrests” and claims their Immediate and unconditional releaseas well as that of all journalists detained for their opinions.
According to the SNJT, Zeghidi and Bsaïes were sentenced to Eight months in prison in January 2025as part of a file relating to Decree 54 on crimes related to information and communication systemsdue to critical statements on public policies. But their ordeal does not stop there: they face a second legal proceedings Banted of multiple irregularitiesin particular non-compliance with the rights of the defense and the issue of an arrest warrant without prior hearing or access to the file by their lawyers.
The SNJT considers that this situation does not fall under an isolated case. Other journalists, such as Shouda Haj Mabrouk and Sounia Dahmanihave also been targeted for their writings or opinions, illustrating according to the union a Systematic policy of intimidation of critical voices.
“The continuous detention of Zeghidi and Bsaïes is an affront to the principle of freedom and the fundamental right not to be arbitrarily deprived of its freedom, inscribed in article 9 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights,” said the press release. The SNJT calls the judicial authorities to cease any political instrumentalization of the judicial systemin particular in a context of Vacance of the Superior Council of Magistracy.
The union finally urges All partners and defenders of freedom of expression has Intensify the pressure to put an end to what he describes as a critical situation for the Tunisian pressrecalling that 500 days of arbitrary detention are not only a figure: they testify to a persistent damage to the rights of journalists and constitute a warning for the future of freedoms in Tunisia.
