The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) decried the “embroilement” of President of the National Union of Tunisian Journalists (SNJT) Mohamed Yassine Jelassi in a case which, it said, involves “false and serious charges” in relation to insulting a public officer and incitement to disobedience.

“Targeting the SNJT leader is an unjustified attack on an IFJ member union,” reads a statement. Far beyond the person of the SNJT President, this demonstrates a will to circumscribe the scope of action of media people in a democratic country.

“This comes against the backdrop of restrictions on free speech which threaten post-Revolution gains,” the IFJ further said.

The IFJ urged Tunisian authorities to meet their international commitments and stop using the judiciary to address issues that can only be solved though dialogue.

It also said it is considering filing a complaint with the International Labour Organisation against the Tunisian government over breaching the right to protest.

Jelassi told TAP earlier he was informed by his lawyer of a complaint lodged against him over insulting a public officer and obstructing movement during a protest in downtown Tunis back in July 2022.

Source: Agence Tunis Afrique Presse