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Tunisians defend free media on 1 February
On 1 February Tunisian journalists raised the slogan ‘’no to assaults against journalists, no to restrictions on freedoms of expression, and no to guardianship over media”, organising a campaign defending freedom of press.
On 27 January, journalists’ syndicates and media bodies released together a statement condemning assaults against journalists, and calling for a day of action to defend freedom of press on 1 February.
“In reaction to the increasing violations of freedoms of opinion, expression, and press, which included physical assaults against, journalists, people of conscience, and media sector employees, carried out by extremist groups hiding behind the mask of religion… , and in reaction to the passivity of the government in dealing with this situation (…)the representatives of professional media organisations invite all media outlets, printed, audio visual, and electronic to dedicate the day of 1 February to addressing the issues of media independence, and freedom of expression (…).”
Media outlets taking part in this campaign have dedicated the day to advocating for freedoms of press and expression, and calling for the criminalisation of assaults against journalists. Representatives of media syndicates and bodies have also met with Mustapha Ben Jaafar, President of the constituent assembly, who said that Tunisia’s new constitution will guarantee freedom of press.
Recent weeks have been tough for journalists in Tunisia. On 4 January two journalists covering a protest organised by university teachers outside the Ministry of Higher Education were assaulted by police officers.
On 7 January the government appointed heads, and editors of stated owned media. Reporters Without Borders, said the appointments were “contrary to the provisions of article 19 of Decree Law No. 2011-116 of 2 November and constitute a flagrant violation of media independence.”
On 23 January ultraconservative Islamists verbally and physically abused journalists and activists showing solidarity with Nabil Karoui, general director of Nessma TV, who is facing charges of “violating sacred values” and “disturbing the public order” for broadcasting the film Persepolis. Meanwhile, journalist Haythem El Mekki, is facing the sack from Tunisia’s national TV for criticising Ennahdha.