In a distressing recent development, violence against journalists in Tunisia has surged during April, as reported by the National Syndicate of Tunisian Journalists (SNJT). The report published by the independent SNJT brought to light 20 instances of attacks on media professionals from 25 cases reported to it.
Out of 46 victims targeted, 33 were males and 13 females. The perpetrators struck 32 journalists, five photojournalists, and seven media support staff. Diverse modes were used to enact these assaults, spanning both real and virtual spaces. Media personnel from different types of media — websites, news agencies, and radio and television channels — numbered among those assaulted. Concerningly, the report identifies judicial authorities, security officials, media activists, as well as public, government officials, and citizens as the executors of these attacks.
The SNJT has urged various government and judicial bodies to take remedial measures. They have called on the Tunisian administration to eliminate barriers hindering the functioning of media outlets, especially those presenting real-time and accurate information. The Interior Ministry has further been asked to strengthen laws protecting journalists. Lastly, the report advises the judiciary to permit trials of imprisoned journalists following the guidelines of Decree 115 of 2011, which safeguards press freedom and the right to information.
Organizations such as the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) have been persistently urging the Tunisian authorities to uphold the rights and freedoms of journalists. However, actions speak louder than words and the recent spate of violence against journalists reflects a failing grade for the country. Notable among the incidents was an Al Jazeera journalist’s arrest in January on undisclosed charges.
In addition, the government has encroached upon press independence since President Kais Saied took power in 2021. In a clear instance of this, Al Jazeera’s Tunisian office has been shut down sans explanation from government authorities, marking a violation of press freedom. Journalists are also getting imprisoned on vague grounds, highlighting the oppressive measures being adopted.
The International Federation of Journalists, through an open letter, has asked Saied’s government to halt the prosecution of journalists and uphold Tunisia’s constitution. The alarming trend of violence against journalists is a severe concern for any democratic society and underlines the urgency for immediate action.