Tunisian Judge Orders Arrest of Journalist Mohamed Yousfi

A judge in Tunisia has ordered the arrest of prominent journalist Mohamed Yousfi, the state news agency reported on Friday. The detention comes after police took Yousfi into custody as he arrived at Radio Express FM to participate in a live interview.

Zied Dabbar, president of the National Union of Tunisian Journalists (SNJT), confirmed the incident but stated that the specific reasons for the detention outside the radio station remain unclear. Dabbar suggested the move was likely linked to Yousfi’s frequent criticism of government authorities.

According to judicial sources cited by the official press, Yousfi faces charges of illicit enrichment and money laundering. However, Walid Ben Rhouma, a host at Radio Express FM, told Facebook that no explanation was provided for the detention at the time. He stated that Yousfi was prevented from entering the studio as a guest and was taken away for questioning.

Yousfi serves as editor-in-chief of Al-Qatiba, an investigative news website known for its coverage of political, economic, and social issues. He has been a vocal critic of President Kais Saied since the latter suspended parliament in 2021 and dissolved it in 2022.

The SNJT condemned the arrest, describing it as an attack not only on Yousfi but on all journalists and the Tunisian public’s right to independent media. The union highlighted a broader trend of erosion in press freedoms, noting that reporters, lawyers, and activists have recently faced increased prosecution.

Rights groups have warned that independent voices are being systematically closed off since the constitutional changes implemented by Saied. The president has denied allegations of dictatorship, asserting that freedoms remain guaranteed in Tunisia.

This case follows a series of legal actions against media figures and civil society advocates this year. In August, protesters took to the streets to demand the release of jailed journalists and activists, including Zied Heni, Mourad Zghidi, and Borhen Bsaies. Additionally, Khaoula Boukrim was sentenced to four years in absentia in June.

On Thursday, lawyer Ghazi Mrabet, who is well-known for handling politically sensitive and civil liberties cases, was also arrested and placed in custody. Local reports indicate the arrest is related to alleged drug trafficking, though details regarding the circumstances remain conflicting.