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Tunisian journalists' union calls for rally in support of Zied El-Heni
via Business News1 min read
The National Syndicate of Tunisian Journalists SNJT issued a statement on April 27, 2026, calling for a mobilization in support of journalist Zied El-Heni. The organization invites journalists, civil society actors, and citizens to participate in a solidarity rally scheduled for Thursday, April 30, 2026, starting at 9 AM, in front of the Tunis 1 Court of First Instance. Zied El-Heni was issued a detention order by the public prosecutor's office at the Tunis Court of First Instance on Sunday, pending his court appearance. It was subsequently decided to refer him to the sixth criminal chamber, with a hearing set for April 30, 2026. A few days prior, the prosecutor's office had ordered his placement in police custody after his hearing, as part of an investigation into "harming others via public communication networks." This procedure reportedly follows statements attributed to the journalist, in which he allegedly implicated magistrates in terms deemed offensive, including serious accusations against them. The SNJT has appointed a lawyer to attend the journalist's hearing, specifying that the prosecution is also based on Article 86 of the Telecommunications Code, which provides for penalties ranging from one to two years imprisonment, along with a fine, for intentionally harming others or their reputation via public communication networks. The SNJT's call for mobilization aims to reaffirm commitment to freedom of opinion and expression, in a context marked by growing concerns ab
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The Arab Institute for Human Rights announced on Monday, April 27, 2026, that it has documented publications targeting Tunisian artist Lotfi Bouchnak and is preparing legal action. The organization stated it is initiating necessary legal procedures following what it describes as a defamatory social media campaign involving massive republications of old content related to the institution and its partners. The Institute believes it is the target of a campaign based on "false allegations" and "organized untruths" aimed at undermining its mission to promote human rights culture. The controversy centers on a 2021 music video titled "Thank You Tunisia," which was widely shared recently. The Institute clarified that this production was created for World Refugee Day and has no connection to current debates on sub-Saharan immigration or contemporary migration issues. The organization emphasizes that the recent circulation of this video is a strategy to create confusion by presenting old content as current. The Arab Institute for Human Rights highlighted its long-standing, voluntary cooperation with Lotfi Bouchnak on humanitarian causes. The Institute honored the artist as a national figure known for his patriotic stances and commitment to Arab causes. The organization believes this campaign will not undermine its activities, which include human rights education, civic education, adult literacy, and support for vulnerable groups. Lotfi Bouchnak faced online controversy after the massiv
Tunisian authorities are intensifying efforts against organized networks facilitating exam fraud, particularly for the baccalaureate. These networks use sophisticated high-tech gadgets like miniature earpieces, modified pens, and connection cards, with one instance even involving a drone. Sahbi Amri, speaking on Tunisian National Radio on April 27, 2026, detailed the operations of these structured, lucrative organizations that leverage social media and offer "VIP packs" and remote assistance to bypass controls. Amri emphasized that the fight against fraud is year-round, not limited to exam periods, and aims to ensure equal opportunities and maintain the credibility of the educational system. He mentioned two recent cases: one in March 2026 involving social media pages selling electronic fraud equipment, leading to the seizure of connection cards, earpieces, and Bluetooth pens, and the involvement of a foreign national. The second operation targeted a network directly offering services to candidates through online commercial offers, resulting in the seizure of connection cards, earpieces, batteries, and a drone. Amri highlighted that these are not isolated incidents but structured organizations driven by financial gain, reselling cheaply acquired foreign equipment at inflated prices. He noted the constant evolution of fraud technology, requiring continuous adaptation of detection and prevention methods. Amri stressed the crucial role of families in prevention, urging parents t
Must ReadDeputy Bilel El Mechri has called for a peaceful protest rally in front of Parliament on Tuesday at noon, April 28, 2026. In a Facebook message, the elected official urged citizens to mobilize against "colonialist energy agreements" and to "defend national sovereignty." He strongly denounced conventions he believes are contrary to the country's interests. El Mechri also criticized current institutions, stating that neither Parliament nor the government sufficiently guarantee national interests, asserting that "the people remain the only safety valve." This call comes as Parliament is set to examine five draft laws concerning the establishment of photovoltaic power plants in Tunisia. These bills have sparked significant controversy, particularly on social media. While these texts are part of a strategy to reduce the country's energy dependence and mobilize investments estimated at 1.6 billion dinars for approximately 600 megawatts of capacity, critics focus on the use of international arbitration and a supposed infringement on sovereignty. Deputy Najla Lahiani warned against an imbalance favoring foreign investors, while Deputy Bilel El Mechri spoke of "energy colonialism" and accused Parliament of "betrayal." On social media, these criticisms are amplified by posts discussing the squandering of resources, excessive reliance on international arbitration, and increased dependence on foreign actors, though without substantiated evidence.
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