Tunisian Journalists' Syndicate condemns Zied El-Heni's detention, cites press freedom escalation
via Business News4 min read
The Tunisian National Journalists' Syndicate SNJT strongly reacted on Friday, April 24, 2026, to the detention of journalist Zied El-Heni, denouncing it as a new escalation against freedom of expression and press freedom. According to the syndicate's statement, the journalist was questioned in the morning by the fifth central brigade for combating information and communication technology crimes, part of the National Guard in Aouina, before being placed in custody. The SNJT specified that the hearing took place in the presence of a lawyer appointed by the syndicate. Zied El-Heni is being prosecuted under Article 86 of the Telecommunications Code, on charges of "harming others via public communication networks." The prosecution reportedly follows a post on his personal Facebook account, in which he discussed the case of journalist Khlifa Guesmi, which was recently dismissed on appeal. The SNJT criticized a "gagging policy" targeting journalists, particularly in the digital space, and denounced a variable approach by the public prosecutor's office. The syndicate called for Zied El-Heni's immediate and unconditional release, while urging authorities to prioritize the application of Decree-Law 115 on press freedom, rather than resorting to what it considers repressive texts, such as Decree-Law 54 or the Telecommunications Code. It also called on its members and all defenders of freedom of expression to mobilize against what it described as intimidation attempts, and announced a su
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An investigation into the vandalism of graves belonging to martyrs and figures of the Tunisian national movement at Djellaz cemetery has led to the arrest of a suspect. The judiciary aims to clarify the circumstances and motivations behind the desecration, which has caused widespread emotion across the country. A judicial source reported on Thursday, July 23, 2026, that the Public Prosecutor's Office at the Tunis Court of First Instance ordered a judicial inquiry on Tuesday, July 21, after marble tomb plaques were damaged in the Leaders' Square of Djellaz cemetery. Investigations quickly identified and apprehended the alleged perpetrator on the same day. The case has been transferred to the sub-directorate of criminal affairs within the Judicial Police Directorate for further inquiry into the circumstances and motivations. The desecration was revealed by political officials, including former deputy Badreddine Gammoudi, who stated that several graves in the Martyrs' Square, including those of assassinated leaders Mohamed Brahmi and Chokri Bela茂d, as well as Ahmed Ben Brahim, Salah Ben Youssef, and Ahmed Tlili, were vandalized. The Popular Current party condemned the "barbaric attack" as a "crime" against symbols of national history, urging authorities to identify those responsible and release investigation results. The party noted the acts occurred days before Republic Day and on the eve of the thirteenth anniversary of Mohamed Brahmi's assassination on July 25. Sarra Brahmi,
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Tunisian President Ka茂s Sa茂ed has granted a presidential pardon to several individuals convicted by the justice system, coinciding with the 69th anniversary of the Republic's proclamation. Among those reportedly benefiting from this measure are former presidential candidate Ayachi Zammel and former president of the Tunisian Football Federation FTF, Wadii Jari. Ayachi Zammel, a former deputy and candidate in the 2024 presidential election, had been convicted in cases related to electoral sponsorships. His arrest, shortly before the presidential election, drew significant reactions, with supporters alleging judicial pressure and authorities asserting judicial independence. Wadii Jari, who led the FTF for several years, faced legal proceedings concerning his management of the sports body. His incarceration also fueled debate on the governance of Tunisian football and the accountability of sports leaders. This presidential pardon, a recognized constitutional power of the head of state, occurs during a symbolic national commemoration. The decision to include these two prominent figures may reignite discussions about the balance between justice, politics, and executive power. As of now, no detailed official communication has specified the complete list of beneficiaries or the exact terms of the pardon's implementation.