Civil society, politicians, and journalists mobilize for the release of journalist Zied El-Heni
via Business News3 min read
A collective of civil society actors, politicians, and media professionals issued a joint statement on Monday, April 27, 2026, calling for the release of journalist Zied El-Heni and denouncing increasing pressure on independent media. The signatories stated that El-Heni's detention on April 24, 2026, is part of a broader trend of "pressure, prosecutions, and trials" targeting information professionals. They argue that the charges against him, based on Article 86 of the Telecommunications Code, undermine freedom of expression and the journalistic profession. The statement links this case to others, including the incarceration of journalists Mourad Zeghidi and Borhen Bsaies, detained for over 700 days, and the prosecution of lawyer and columnist Sonia Dahmani. The signatories also warned about threats to the independent media outlet Inkyfada, which could face dissolution. They criticized the use of legal provisions like decree-law 54 and Article 86 of the Telecommunications Code, which they deem inconsistent with the Constitution and Tunisia's international commitments, while regretting the marginalization of decree-law 115, considered the reference legal framework for the media and publishing sector. The collective expressed solidarity with professional and independent press freedom organizations, including the National Syndicate of Tunisian Journalists and the Press Council, as well as alternative media and critical voices, which they believe are exposed to smear campaigns an
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Mondher Belaïd, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, announced that the recruitment of unemployed doctors is a priority for higher education policy. During a plenary session on Monday, April 27, 2026, he stated that his department is working to facilitate the professional integration of PhD holders. A competition has been launched to recruit 1,350 doctors in an initial phase, with file reviews starting soon in coordination with the Ministry of Finance and the Presidency of the Government to secure positions while considering state financial balances. Belaïd clarified that contractual recruitment would be a transitional step for young doctors to gain teaching experience before permanent employment, rejecting any notion of precarious employment. Unemployed PhD students have been advocating for direct integration into public service without competitive examinations, arguing that current methods do not effectively resolve their situation. Approximately 5,000 graduates are either unemployed or in jobs below their qualification level. In December 2025, the Assembly of People's Representatives adopted a bill for exceptional recruitment into public service for long-term unemployed graduates, particularly those over forty. Belaïd also reiterated his department's commitment to improving the ranking of Tunisian universities through funding programs and quality enhancement projects, noting that ranking disparities are due to varied international criteria. The ministry ha
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