ZOUHOUR MECHERGUI

Tunisia- In September 2022, the Tunisian President signed Decree Law 54, combating cybercrime. Since then Tunisian authorities have escalated their crackdown on media and freedom of expression.

“Tunisian media suffers setback due to the controversial Decree-Law No 54, which restricts the freedom of expression and the media,” said Jihan Al-Lawati, a journalist and member of the National Syndicate of Tunisian Journalists.

‘The decree is unconstitutional’

The decree is unconstitutional, violating all conventions ratified by the Tunisian government, Jihan Al-Lawati told NuJINHA.

“The calls for revision and cancellation of the degree are ignored. Our syndicate demands the adoption of Decree-Law No 115 regulating the freedom of the press, printing and publishing, instead of Decree-Law No 54. According to the recent reports issued by our syndicate and the Tunisian League of Human Rights, Tunisian authorities have escalated their crackdown on media and freedom of expression, arresting and sentencing journalists in prison.”

‘Women journalists face financial challenges’

Jihan Al-Lawati also commented on the challenges faced by women journalists in the country. “Private media outlets face the threat of bankruptcy due to lack of advertising and government support, causing many journalists to be fired or work for months with low wages or no pay. Some of our colleagues have not gotten their salaries for more than 10 months. Many women journalists are unemployed, facing financial challenges.”

‘The principle of transparency and accountability is at risk’

Speaking about Article 32 of the Tunisian constitution that guarantees the right to information and the right of access to information, she said, “However, journalists have no access to government sources. The principle of transparency and accountability is at risk in Tunisia. Journalists face severe restrictions in obtaining information. Tunisian women journalists say that Decree-Law No 54 has become a sword suspended over the necks of journalists and activists and that the decree aims to intimidate and scare journalists. We want a democratic and free country based on pluralism, where there is freedom of expression and the media. However, freedom of expression and the media is at risk in Tunisia.”