The National Union of Tunisian Journalists (SNJT) called on Sunday the government to settle the issue of appointments at the head of Tunis-Afrique-Press news agency (TAP) and the Tunisian Radio, in compliance with the criteria of competence and professionalism, blaming it for the worsening of the social climate and working conditions within these institutions.

In a statement issued at the end of its executive board meeting, the union affirmed that it rejects the logic of quotas and recommendations in appointments at the head of public media institutions, warning against any appointment that is marred by favouritism and incompetence.

The SNJT also criticised the upsurge in attacks against journalists and freedom of the press and expression, and the violation of the right of access to information, which constitutes a serious threat to the freedom of expression.

It warned against the persistence of the political crisis amidst a serious health and socio-economic situation, calling on the stakeholders to prioritise the national interest.

The union further criticised the government’s delay in disbursing allocations to media enterprises and journalists affected by the coronavirus pandemic, cautioning private media owners against violating the journalists’ rights under the guise of the pandemic crisis.

The SNJT expressed satisfaction at the progress of the integration process of “Radio Zitouna” into the Tunisian Radio and the cession process of Radio Shems Fm, calling for speeding up the resolution of the Dar Assabah and Cactus production files in order to preserve the sustainability of these enterprises and the rights of their journalists and employees.

Furthermore, it reiterated commitment to the promulgation of the decree on the recruitment of unemployed graduates of the Press and Information Sciences Institute (IPSI), urging journalists to respect professional ethics and solidarity.

Source: TAP News Agency