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Journalist Zied El-Heni defends decree-law 115 from prison
via Business News2 min read
From Mornaguia prison, journalist Zied El-Heni issued a statement on May 6, 2026, addressing his legal situation. He stated that this is the tenth time in his career he has faced prosecution for an opinion or position expressed professionally. El-Heni highlighted his commitment to decree-law 115, which concerns press freedom and which he believes is currently under threat. He recalled his involvement in drafting this law as a representative of the National Union of Tunisian Journalists within the High Authority for the Achievement of the Revolution's Objectives. He also advocated for the exclusion of Article 86 of the Telecommunications Code in cases related to freedom of expression. El-Heni was detained following a judicial inquiry into public statements, with charges based on Article 86 of the Telecommunications Code, a text often criticized by freedom advocates for its use in expression-related cases. His incarceration sparked reactions from the journalistic profession and civil society organizations, who denounced it as an attack on press freedom. El-Heni disputes the legality of the proceedings against him, claiming they were initiated by verbal instructions rather than a security report or formal complaint. He also cited violations of his rights, including his placement in police custody followed by a detention order he deems legally unfounded. The journalist stated he does not recognize these judicial proceedings or any resulting decisions, and he does not intend to ap
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Must ReadThe Africa Forward summit, scheduled for May 11-12, 2026, in Nairobi, Kenya, marks a significant return of a major economic event between France and the African continent after nearly a decade. This summit aims to reposition economic relations with Africa on a continental scale, within a significantly transformed environment. An Elysée source stated that the event is designed as a platform for concrete outcomes, where "contracts will be signed, investments announced, and partnerships structured." This summit signifies a dual shift: it is the first such large-scale France-Africa summit in almost ten years, and it is being held for the first time in an English-speaking country, reflecting a desire for a continental approach beyond traditional Francophone nations. The absence of such summits for a decade coincides with a deep transformation of the African economic landscape, characterized by diversified partnerships and intensified international competition. Africa Forward is presented as an attempt at repositioning, with Africa viewed as a whole in its diversity. Nairobi, a regional hub in East Africa, was chosen to illustrate this strategic shift. The summit's architecture is business-centric, with the first day dedicated to the private sector, bringing together over 2,000 business leaders, institutions, and universities, totaling approximately 3,000 participants. This segment aims to foster direct interactions and facilitate contract signings and investment announcements. The
Tunisia's National Institute of Statistics INS reported on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, that the inflation rate increased to 5.5% in April 2026. This marks a rise from 5% in March and February 2026, and 4.8% in January 2026. Historically, the rate was 5.2% in August 2025, 5.9% in March 2025, 5.7% in February 2025, 6% in January 2025, and peaked at 7% in July 2024. The annual increase in inflation is primarily attributed to the accelerated growth in food prices, which rose by 8.2% in April 2026 compared to 6.8% in March 2026, and clothing and footwear prices, up 9.3% from 7.5% in March 2026. Conversely, the rate of increase for transport services slowed to 2.2% in April 2026 from 2.8% in March 2026. Over a twelve-month period, food products saw significant price hikes, including fresh fruit +19.2%, poultry +16.1%, lamb +16.1%, fresh vegetables +13.5%, beef +12%, and fresh fish +11.9%. In contrast, edible oils decreased by 6.8% and eggs by 4.4%. Manufactured goods increased by 4.7%, driven by clothing and footwear 9.3% and household maintenance products 4.8%. Services saw a 4.2% increase, largely due to a 14.6% rise in accommodation services. Month-over-month, the consumer price index rose by 1.1% in April 2026, mainly due to a 1.4% increase in food prices and a 5.9% increase in clothing and footwear prices. Within the food group, fresh vegetables rose by 5.6%, lamb by 3.5%, and fresh fruit by 2.5%, while egg prices fell by 4.5%. Clothing prices increased by 5.9% following the end of
Activist Mehrez Bouezza was arrested on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, according to information from his relatives. He had received a summons last week, complied with it, and was taken into police custody on Thursday, April 30, 2026, after an audition. Bouezza is known for his humorous comments on political news on social media, with his relatives describing him as measured and respectful, avoiding insults or defamation. Sources suggest his arrest is linked to his Facebook posts and comments. Deputy Syrine Mrabet denied any involvement, stating she does not know Bouezza, his publications, or the reasons for his arrest. This arrest occurs amid growing concerns over freedom of expression in Tunisia, with several activists, bloggers, and citizens facing prosecution for critical social media posts. Many of these cases rely on Decree-Law 54, which human rights organizations criticize as a repressive text used to restrict public speech and punish dissenting voices. With no official communication, the Mehrez Bouezza case adds to a series of incidents fueling worries about individual liberties in the country.
Brahim Bouderbala, President of the Assembly of People's Representatives, met with US Ambassador to Tunisia, Bill Bazzi, on Tuesday, May 5, 2026. The meeting focused on the future of bilateral relations between Tunis and Washington. According to a statement from the US Embassy, discussions centered on ways to further strengthen the partnership between the United States and Tunisia, with the goal of consolidating security and supporting prosperity in both countries. This meeting highlights the ongoing cooperation between Tunis and Washington on several strategic issues, including political, economic, and security matters, with the United States remaining a key partner for Tunisia across various essential sectors.