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The Day · Wednesday 17 December 2025

Filed 01:06 · Palestine time (UTC+2) · World

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Tunisian Journalists’ Union Warns of Increased Pressure on Media Freedom

The Tunisian journalists’ union has issued a warning over what it describes as a growing crackdown on media freedom. The warning reflects increasing concerns among media professionals regarding the state of press liberties in Tunisia. The union’s statement underscores a tense climate facing journalists amid tightening restrictions.

Journalists are raising placards during a rally staged by the National Union of Tunisian Journalists (SNJT) in front of its headquarters in Tunis, Tunisia, on March 6, 2024, in solidarity with Tunisian journalist Khalifa Guesmi. The journalists participating in the rally are protesting the imprisonment of their colleague and are calling for his release. Khalifa Guesmi was imprisoned after being sentenced on appeal to five years in prison under anti-terrorism legislation. The rally is coinciding with the examination by the Court of Cassation of the journalist’s case. (Photo by Chedly Ben Ibrahim/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

The Tunisian journalists’ union has sounded the alarm about a growing crackdown on media freedom. In a statement released by the union, strong concern was expressed over what it described as escalating pressure targeting media professionals in Tunisia.

The union maintained that current developments signal a restrictive environment that is tightening around journalists and media institutions operating in the country. It stated that these developments pose serious challenges to the rights of journalists to work freely and to report without fear.

According to the union, conditions on the ground indicate an alarming shift, with increasing constraints placed on the exercise of journalistic duties. The statement highlighted that Tunisia’s media landscape is facing mounting obstacles, pointing to what the union views as a systematic attempt to undermine independent voices.

From its side, the union emphasized that the role of journalists is to provide fair and honest coverage, even under difficult conditions. It added that defending media freedom is not only a professional duty but also a responsibility to the public and to the values of truth and accountability.

The warning comes amid a deteriorating atmosphere for press freedoms, the union stated, and it urged all concerned parties to recognize the seriousness of the current moment. In addition, the union called for immediate steps to reverse what it labeled as dangerous trends affecting freedom of expression in the country.

Meanwhile, the union reiterated its commitment to resist any efforts aimed at silencing journalists or limiting the free flow of information. It affirmed that media professionals will continue to carry out their work despite increasing risks, driven by a deep sense of mission and dedication to the truth.

There has been no external response detailed, and the union did not cite any specific incidents or entities in its statement. However, it made it clear that the space for media practice in the country is narrowing, and that immediate attention is required to prevent further decline.

The union further called on journalists across Tunisia to remain united and vigilant. It encouraged solidarity within the profession and stressed the importance of upholding ethical journalism under all circumstances.

In its concluding remarks, the Tunisian journalists’ union affirmed that it will continue to monitor the situation closely. It stated its readiness to take all necessary steps to protect media freedom and to ensure that the voices of journalists remain unbroken.

The statement serves as a call to action, signaling that what is at stake is not only the future of journalism in Tunisia but also the fundamental right of the people to be informed through independent and unrestricted channels.

17 Dec, 01:06

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