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Mourad Zeghidi begins hunger strike in prison over 'untenable situation
via Business News2 min read
Journalist Mourad Zeghidi has begun a hunger strike to protest what his family describes as "injustice" and "judicial harassment" he has faced for over two years. His family announced the decision on Thursday, June 4, 2026, stating that the situation had become "untenable." They expressed deep concern for his health and the potential physical and psychological consequences of the strike. The family views this action as the culmination of a long period marked by what they consider unjust prosecutions and violations of his fundamental rights. They are appealing to human rights defenders, journalists, civil society organizations, public figures, and citizens for active solidarity and are reiterating their demand for an end to the judicial harassment and for Zeghidi's release. This announcement follows the confirmation by the criminal chamber of the Tunis Court of Appeal of sentences against Mourad Zeghidi and Borhen Bssais. On May 12, 2026, a three-year and six-month prison sentence was confirmed. The two journalists had previously received an eight-month sentence in another case related to decree-law 54 concerning the fight against false information and offenses committed via information and communication systems. According to their lawyer, Ghazi Mrabet, the convictions are now final, bringing their total sentence to four years and two months in prison, with their release not expected until the end of June 2028.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Business News.
Spain has been crowned world champions again, securing their second World Cup title by defeating Argentina 1-0 in extra time on Sunday, July 19, 2026. Ferran Torres scored the decisive goal in the 106th minute. This victory marks Spain's return to the pinnacle of global football, 14 years after their first triumph in South Africa. The Spanish team dominated the match, maintaining 68% possession, completing 803 passes with 90% accuracy, and registering 20 shots, 11 of which were on target. In contrast, Lionel Messi's Argentina struggled offensively, managing only two shots, neither on target. The turning point came in extra time of the second half when Argentine midfielder Enzo Fernández was sent off, leaving his team with ten players for the remainder of the match. This success celebrates a new generation of Spanish players, including Lamine Yamal, Pedri, Gavi, Rodri, and Ferran Torres, who upheld Spain's possession-based football philosophy. Lionel Messi was unable to secure another world title, as Spain controlled the final from start to finish.
During a series of site visits, President Kaïs Saïed addressed various administrative dysfunctions, particularly concerning water and electricity services. Visiting the Ghdir El Golla hydraulic complex and the Oued Medjerda flood protection project, the President acknowledged the efforts of technical teams but strongly criticized persistent failures. He stated that the situation, marked by repeated power outages and water distribution issues, cannot continue, emphasizing the need for officials to take responsibility and accelerate reforms. Saïed stressed that each region should have its own maintenance workshops and spare parts to reduce intervention times for repairs. He also highlighted the importance of a national water management strategy to better utilize resources and called for the preservation of national heritage, inspecting the restoration of the historic Qantara Bizerte bridge. The President's visits, following a period of absence, underscored his commitment to reforming state services and improving public administration responsiveness.
Tunisian Olympic champion Ahmed Ayoub Hafnaoui secured two gold medals at the Florida Summer Championships in the United States. On the night of Saturday, July 18 to Sunday, July 19, 2026, he won the 400-meter freestyle with a time of 3 minutes 50.45 seconds. This victory followed his earlier win in the 200-meter freestyle, where he finished in 1 minute 50.76 seconds. These performances indicate a strong return to form for the 23-year-old swimmer, who is aiming to be in peak condition for upcoming international events, including the Mediterranean Games in Taranto, Italy, scheduled from August 21 to September 3. Hafnaoui rose to prominence with his 400m freestyle Olympic title at the Tokyo 2021 Games. He further solidified his status at the 2023 World Championships in Fukuoka, winning two world titles in the 800m and 1,500m freestyle, and a silver medal in the 400m. He also earned a world silver medal in the 1,500m short course in Abu Dhabi in 2021. His recent double gold in Florida sends a positive signal about his readiness to compete among the world's top swimmers.