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The Day · Wednesday 17 December 2025

Filed 01:35 · Palestine time (UTC+2) · World

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Tunisian Journalists’ Union Warns of Media Freedom Crackdown

The Tunisian journalists’ union has issued a warning over what it describes as a growing crackdown on media freedom. The move signals mounting concerns within the press community regarding the current atmosphere surrounding journalism in Tunisia. The warning comes amid allegations of increasing restrictions facing media workers in the country.

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 issued a warning over what it says is a growing crackdown on media freedom. The union’s statement reflects rising concern among media professionals regarding the current atmosphere for journalism in Tunisia.

According to the union, the warning is based on what it sees as mounting pressures faced by journalists and media entities across the country. The alert points to a deteriorating environment for freedom of expression, underscoring the view that journalists may be increasingly targeted as part of a broader move against independent reporting.

The union’s position, expressed publicly, calls attention to what is described as an alarming situation confronting media workers. It highlights a general trend that it interprets as limiting press freedoms and undermining professional journalism practices. The warning also serves as a call for vigilance among journalists and media institutions in the face of growing pressure.

Additionally, the union indicates its concern that this trend may restrict access to information and limit the ability of journalists to operate freely and independently. Observing the current climate, the union warns that such circumstances could lead to a significant erosion of media practices rooted in transparency and public accountability.

Meanwhile, the union’s warnings have drawn attention both locally and in broader media circles, particularly among those monitoring conditions for free expression. The warning stands as a stark reflection of the sense of urgency emerging within Tunisia’s press corps.

From its side, the union seeks to defend what it considers essential rights intrinsic to journalism. It stresses the importance of upholding journalistic responsibilities without interference, and preserving a space where media workers can report without fear of suppression.

This development comes amid broader debates surrounding the nature and direction of media policy within Tunisia. The union’s warning, focused specifically on increasing threats to media freedom, is being seen by observers as part of an ongoing struggle to safeguard journalistic rights amid evolving political and social landscapes.

In its public stance, the union emphasizes its role in protecting its members and in advocating for a free press. It reiterates that any form of crackdown, perceived or otherwise, must be actively resisted to prevent further deterioration of an already fragile media environment.

The trajectory of media policy in Tunisia, as reported by the union, has prompted deep concern within media circles. The union warns that any retreat from press freedoms represents a damaging step backward and risks silencing critical voices at a time when they are most needed.

As conditions continue to shift, the Tunisian journalists’ union remains vocal in its opposition to measures it interprets as repressive. The warning it issued stands as a testament to the realities facing journalists on the ground and the complex challenges confronting the media landscape in Tunisia today.

17 Dec, 01:35

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