Tunis, Tunisia – (African Boulevard News) – Tunisian journalists took to the streets of the capital, Tunis, on Monday, protesting against their government’s clampdown on press freedom. The demonstration was held outside the offices of the Tunisian Journalists’ Union, where journalists gathered to voice their concerns.
Chanting slogans such as “Press freedom is not a crime” and “Journalism is not terrorism,” the protesters were demanding an end to the harassment and intimidation of reporters in the country. The rally was attended by over 200 journalists who marched through the streets carrying banners and posters, calling for the release of their colleagues who have been jailed under the current regime.
“We are here because we are being reproached. We will explain to the authorities that we are journalists. And as such, we have the right to criticize. As such, we criticize in a constructive spirit,” said one of the journalists at the rally.
The protest comes after a number of journalists were arrested and charged with spreading false news and insulting the president. The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has called on the Tunisian authorities to release all journalists who are being held in detention for doing their job.
“The Tunisian government must stop using the pretext of national security to silence critical voices in the press,” said CPJ Middle East and North Africa Program Coordinator Sherif Mansour. “Journalists have the right to report on issues of public interest without fear of reprisal or harassment.”
Tunisia has historically been viewed as a leader in press freedom in the region, but the recent crackdown on journalists highlights growing concerns about freedom of expression in the country. The government has been accused of targeting journalists who have reported on corruption and human rights abuses.
The Tunisian Journalists’ Union has called for changes to the current media law, which many journalists believe is outdated and does not adequately protect their rights. The union has suggested that a new law should be drafted that takes into account the changes in the media landscape over the past decade.
The government has yet to respond to the journalists’ demands, but the rally is seen as a significant step in the fight for press freedom in Tunisia. Many hope that the demonstration will raise awareness of the issue both within the country and abroad.
