Tunisian authorities arrested prominent journalist Mohamed Yousfi this week, according to the head of the National Syndicate of Tunisian Journalists. The move marks the latest escalation in a broader crackdown on government critics under President Kais Saied.
Yousfi, the editor-in-chief of the investigative news website Al-Qatiba, was taken in for questioning on Friday. The specific focus of the investigation has not been disclosed, and Tunisian officials have not commented on the arrest.
The detention follows a series of high-profile prosecutions of journalists and media figures throughout the year. In June, Khaoula Boukrim, founder of the news website TUMEDIA, was sentenced to four years in absentia. Boukrim fled to France last year amid mounting pressure on independent media.
Earlier convictions include prominent journalist Zied el-Heni, who received a one-year sentence in May, as well as broadcaster Mourad Zeghidi and political commentator Borhen Bsaies, both handed three-and-a-half-year terms in January.
Human rights organizations have warned that Saied’s government has systematically dismantled democratic safeguards, creating an environment where journalists and activists face increasingly aggressive legal persecution.
In a separate development on Thursday, Tunisia’s Court of Cassation upheld a mass trial conviction against 40 figures, including opposition leaders, lawyers, and human rights defenders accused of conspiring to overthrow President Saied. Among those sentenced was opposition leader Najib Chebbi, who received a 12-year term. His daughter, lawyer Haifa Chebbi, criticized the ruling, stating it confirmed the judiciary’s lack of independence.
Justice Minister Leila Jaffel defended the convictions, asserting that the defendants sought to destabilize the country.
This is deeply troubling. Journalism shouldn’t be a crime. The international community needs to act now.
I had no idea the arrests were this frequent. Is there any legal recourse left for these journalists?
Another ‘conspiracy’ conviction? Sounds like they just want to silence anyone who challenges the president.