Tunis:During the opening of the National Union of Tunisian Journalists (SNJT) seventh congress, President Zied Dabbar emphasized the necessity of defending press freedom and the dignity of journalists. He called for increased unity and solidarity to protect independent and professional journalism, asserting that press freedom is a fundamental societal right.
According to Agence Tunis Afrique Presse, Dabbar, speaking under the congress slogan 'Journalism Is Not a Crime,' stressed that press freedom is essential for access to information, public debate, and accountability. He reaffirmed the SNJT's independence and advocated for stronger partnerships with civil society organizations, trade unions, and human rights groups.
Dabbar also highlighted the importance of safeguarding journalists' professional and social rights amid economic challenges facing media outlets. He called for the release of journalists Mourad Zeghidi, Borhen Bssais, Zied El Heni, and Mohamed Yousfi. Representatives from the legal profession, Parliament, civil society, and trade unions echoed these calls, emphasizing the inseparable connection between press freedom, democracy, and fundamental rights.
Boubaker Belthabet, President of the National Bar Association, expressed support for the sacrifices made by journalists in pursuing free and independent journalism. He affirmed that no democratic society can exist without a press equipped to fulfill its role.
MP Thabet El Abed underscored the importance of legislative safeguards, accountability, and fair-trial guarantees, advocating for the release of detained journalists. Raja Dahmani, President of the Tunisian Association of Democratic Women, highlighted the role of independent media in defending women's rights and combating discrimination.
Slaheddine Selmi, Secretary-General of the Tunisian General Labour Union, noted the historic ties between the labour movement and journalists. Human rights representatives Bassem Trifi and Ayoub Ghadamsi called for joint efforts to defend civil, political, economic, and social rights.
Speakers at the congress also emphasized the need to improve wages, address precarious employment, and prevent the closure of media outlets and journalist layoffs. These measures were deemed essential for maintaining free and independent journalism.
Messages of support were delivered by International Federation of Journalists Secretary-General Anthony Bellanger, Palestinian Journalists Syndicate President Nasser Abu Bakr, and representatives of several national organizations. Following the opening session, delegates proceeded with the congress agenda, including committee elections and the review and voting on the union's moral and financial reports and resolutions.