Lotfi Bouchnak targeted by viral campaign over old song used in xenophobic discourse

Tunisian artist Lotfi Bouchnak is currently at the center of a viral social media campaign. An old song of his, "Ahlan Tounes," produced in 2021 in collaboration with the UNHCR for a refugee rights awareness initiative, has been re-shared out of its original context. The video is accompanied by strong comments accusing the artist of promoting policies for "the permanent settlement of foreigners" and undermining "national identity." The campaign is fueled by hostile rhetoric, with some internet users calling for radical measures and attacking human rights organizations like the Tunisian Human Rights League and the Arab Institute for Human Rights. The discourse includes openly xenophobic and racist remarks targeting migrants, refugees, and Bouchnak himself, with his family origins being questioned to discredit him. The original song aimed to promote values of hospitality, dignity, and respect for fundamental rights, aligning with Tunisia's international human rights commitments. Its reappearance five years later, amid tensions over migration, has served to polarize discussions. The article notes that the presentation of the 2021 work as recent contributes to public confusion. While debate on migration policies is legitimate, the campaign's direction raises concerns about online discourse abuses, conflating refugees, irregular migrants, and security issues, and using ad hominem attacks. Bouchnak has become a focal point for broader political criticism, distrust of institutions,