Tunisia: Judge orders arrest of journalist Mohamed Yousfi
A journalist and vocal critic of the Tunisian president, Mohamed Yousfi has been taken into custody ahead of an interview. A union called the arrest an attack on all journalists' rights.
In Tunisia, a judge has ordered the arrest of journalist Mohamed Yousfi on charges of illicit enrichment and money laundering, according to a judicial source cited by the state news agency. The arrest occurred on Friday when police took Yousfi into custody as he arrived at Radio Express FM to give an interview. His editor-in-chief at investigative news website Al-Qatiba, Yousfi is known for his criticism of President Kais Saied.
Radio Express FM host Walid Ben Rhouma said no reason was provided for Yousfi's detention, and he was barred from entering the station to participate in the program. The journalist syndicate SNJT believes Yousfi's arrest is a part of a broader trend of attacks on press freedoms in Tunisia, where recent prosecution of reporters, lawyers, opposition figures, and activists has raised concerns.
SNJT called Yousfi's arrest an attack not only on him but also on the right to a free and independent media for all Tunisians. Rights groups have warned of efforts to suppress Tunisia's independent media since President Saied suspended parliament in 2021 and dissolved it in 2022. Protesters took to the streets in August to support jailed activists and journalists as well as to demand Saied's removal from power.
Other media figures jailed this year include Zied Heni, Mourad Zghidi and Borhen Bsaies, while Khaoula Boukrim was sentenced in June to four years in absentia.
Written by urgent.news from DW English (Top Stories)'s reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
This story
This is one outlet's version. Read the fullest account.
