Tunisia sentences journalists to a year in prison for criticizing the government

Tunisia sentences journalists to a year in prison for criticizing the government

Tunisia sentences journalists to a year in prison for criticizing the government

A Tunisian court has sentenced two TV and radio journalists to one year in prison for criticizing the government on their programs and on social networks

ByBOUAZZA BEN BOUAZZA Associated Press

May 23, 2024, 5:18 AM

    TUNIS, Tunisia -- A Tunisian court on Wednesday sentenced two TV and radio journalists to one year in prison for criticizing the government on their programs and on social networks.

    Borhane Bsaïs and Mourad Zeghidi were each given six months' imprisonment for disseminating “fake news” and an additional six months for “making false statements with the aim of defaming others," in reference to Tunisian President Kaïs Saied, court spokesperson Mohamed Zitouna said.

    The sentences come less than two weeks after both were arrested. They are among a broader group of journalists, activists and lawyers charged under Decree 54, a law criminalizing the dissemination of “fake news” aimed at harming public safety or national defense.

    The law, passed in 2022 to fight cybercrime, has been widely criticized by rights advocates who say the offenses are vaguely defined and are being used to crack down on the president's critics.

    Both Bsaïs and Zeghidi denied the allegations. In court, they referred to laws protecting freedom of expression that Tunisia enshrined after its 2011 revolution, when it became the first country in the Middle East and North Africa to topple a longtime dictator. Both said they were simply doing their jobs, analyzing and commenting on political and economic developments in Tunisia.

    “I am neither for nor against the president. Sometimes I support his choices, sometimes I criticize them. It’s part of my job," Zeghidi said.

    Bsaïs, host of the radio show “Emission Impossible” ("Impossible Program" in English) was accused of undermining the president on the air and in Facebook posts made between 2019 and 2022. It's unclear why authorities targeted old posts like his as they pursue a growing number of Saied's political critics.

    He defended his opinions and in court objected to being brusquely arrested last week “like a dangerous criminal.”

    The trial has drawn international condemnation and sparked criticism in Tunisia, where many journalists gathered in front of the court in a show of support.

    “We are all on provisional release because any journalistic work can give rise to prosecution," Zied Dabbar, president of Tunisia's National Journalists Syndicate, said of Decree 54. He said 39 journalists have been prosecuted under the law this year.

    Saied has faced criticism for suspending parliament and rewriting the constitution to consolidate his own power three years ago. Critics have spoken out against the government’s approach to politics, the economy and migration in the Mediterranean in the years since.

    OTHER NEWS

    15 minutes ago

    Anthony Joshua shares bizarre video of himself undergoing 'hot cupping' treatment as he refuses to slack off ahead of expected Daniel Dubois showdown later this year

    15 minutes ago

    How to stop a tummy bug ruining your holiday: What to eat in the week before you leave, the supplements to take and why fungi might help by microbiome scientist DR EMILY LEEMING

    15 minutes ago

    Taylor Swift's London gigs became the royal event of the summer with Prince William, Charlotte and George joining Zara and Mike Tindall as well as members of the  Greek and Spanish monarchies

    15 minutes ago

    Incredible bronze bust depicting sexually-depraved Roman Emperor Caligula that was excavated near Mount Vesuvius is found after nearly 200 years

    19 minutes ago

    Why The Cast Of Alien: Romulus Looks So Familiar

    20 minutes ago

    Video: ANOTHER tourist dies in blistering heatwave in Greece - the sixth since the death of Dr Michael Mosley - while two more are still missing as country is blasted with 44C temperatures and wildfires

    20 minutes ago

    Join Life Kit on a journey to improve your sleep

    20 minutes ago

    ANALYSIS: What’s happening with Jets prospect Rutger McGroarty?

    24 minutes ago

    Wrestling legend 2 Cold Scorpio 'arrested over violent stabbing' but ex-WWE star claims self defense

    25 minutes ago

    Countdown to celebrations ahead of Tour Down Under

    25 minutes ago

    Fans praise Slovakia's 'genius' fake throw-in which led to Ivan Schranz's goal in Euro 2024 clash against Ukraine with Lukas Haraslin and David Hancko confusing their opponents

    25 minutes ago

    ‘Score one for NSW’: King Charles attending The Everest but not Melbourne Cup

    25 minutes ago

    Fears over new North Korean rubbish balloon launches toward South

    25 minutes ago

    Forget STEM. Head of Paris’s top tech university says the secret to France’s AI boom is a focus on the humanities

    25 minutes ago

    Kendall Jenner and Bad Bunny storm Vogue World's Paris Fashion Week takeover

    25 minutes ago

    Kerry Katona 'still struggling' after nose surgery

    25 minutes ago

    Jane Lynch channels Anne Robinson on The Weakest Link

    25 minutes ago

    Nicola Peltz-Beckham vows to 'relentlessly investigate' dog's death

    25 minutes ago

    Ford RS200 and Escort Mk1 to make an official comeback

    25 minutes ago

    Protesters at PGA tournament today: Climate activists disrupt play on 18th green at Travelers Championship

    25 minutes ago

    PGA Tour commentator slammed for 'lying' about LIV Golf innovation

    25 minutes ago

    EFF stands with Kenyan protesters against new Finance Bill

    25 minutes ago

    Soccer-Spalletti set to shake things up for Italy's clash with Croatia

    25 minutes ago

    Ted Scott, Scottie Scheffler's caddie, has likely made more money than 80 percent of PGA Tour players in 2024

    25 minutes ago

    MLB Roundup: Diaz sparks offence as Rays earn win over Skenes, Pirates

    25 minutes ago

    Why you should go to Legoland Dubai Resort on Tuesday

    25 minutes ago

    Mona hangs Picassos in women’s toilet in response to court ruling

    30 minutes ago

    Seine suspense as Paris counts down to Olympics

    32 minutes ago

    Star Trek's Grossest Food Detail Might Make You Sick

    33 minutes ago

    Earl Spencer discovers Roman bracelet in grounds of Althorp Estate during excavation - days after he's spotted on date with archeologist

    33 minutes ago

    My husband died in my arms as we waited too long for an ambulance

    33 minutes ago

    Financial sextortion most often targets teen boys via Instagram, according to new data

    33 minutes ago

    Woman admits splashing hot water on her 4 kids on suspicion that one of them stole her cash

    33 minutes ago

    Xhaka hails revamped Swiss after reaching knockout stages again

    33 minutes ago

    Ties between Singapore, Italy deepening: President Tharman

    33 minutes ago

    Hilton Dubai Palm has a 29-hour staycation offer

    33 minutes ago

    Celine Dion wailed through seizure in 'unbearable' moment filming documentary

    33 minutes ago

    Peter Schiff is predicting a 'major dollar decline’ but Janet Yellen has said it won't be easy to 'get around' the greenback — here are 3 ways to prepare your portfolio

    33 minutes ago

    Euro Paper Talk: Ten Hag to reboot Man Utd forward line with stunning triple transfer; Liverpool green light move for Euro 2024 midfielder

    33 minutes ago

    Newsmaker | Who is Mahant Raju Das, the Ayodhya priest who argued with District Magistrate over BJP’s poll defeat?