Journalists demand greater press freedom during protest in Tunis last May. AFP
Journalists demand greater press freedom during protest in Tunis last May. AFP
Journalists demand greater press freedom during protest in Tunis last May. AFP
Journalists demand greater press freedom during protest in Tunis last May. AFP

Tunisian journalist released on bail after arrest for criticising defamation law


Ghaya Ben Mbarek
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Tunisian journalist Zied Heni was released from police custody on Thursday morning after his arrest on suspicion of ‘insulting the head of state’.

He was released on bail and is expected to face trial, although a date has not been set.

Mr Heni, who hosts a daily radio programme, was arrested for his explanation of a new decree issued by President Kais Saied last September.

The decree states that anyone found to have used information networks to “produce, promote, publish, transmit or prepare false news, statements, rumours or forged documents” to target the rights of others or harm public security and national defence could face a five-year prison sentence and a fine of 50,000 Tunisian dinars ($15,600).

“I told the prosecutor today that it’s unbelievable to put someone behind bars for explaining a law,” Mr Heni told media outlets upon his release in front of the Tunis Justice Palace.

According to the law, the punishment for defamation is doubled if the target is a public official.

The decree has mostly been used to target those critical of Mr Saied, including politicians, bloggers, activists and journalists.

Before his arrest, Mr Heni devoted time on his morning radio show to explaining the text of the decree criminalising any act that might be labelled as an offence against the president.

Mr Heni's arrest is the latest incident in a broad crackdown on liberties in Tunisia. In recent months more than 20 opposition figures have been detained over "national security concerns".

Meanwhile, Mr Saied has denied all accusations relating to the erosion of freedoms in Tunisia, and accused those reporting on the situation of having ulterior motives.

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The Al Burda Festival is a celebration of Islamic art and culture, featuring talks, performances and exhibitions. Organised by the Ministry of Culture and Knowledge Development, this one-day event opens with a session on the future of Islamic art. With this in mind, it is followed by a number of workshops and “masterclass” sessions in everything from calligraphy and typography to geometry and the origins of Islamic design. There will also be discussions on subjects including ‘Who is the Audience for Islamic Art?’ and ‘New Markets for Islamic Design.’ A live performance from Kuwaiti guitarist Yousif Yaseen should be one of the highlights of the day. 

Updated: June 22, 2023, 11:14 AM`