Title: “Freedom of the press in Tunisia: a persistent challenge”
Introduction:
Freedom of the press is a fundamental pillar of any democratic society. In Tunisia, a country that experienced a remarkable revolution in 2011, this freedom still faces many challenges. Recently, President Kaïs Saïed summoned the CEO of national television, thus sparking a debate on the independence of the media and the persistent desire to control information. This article explores the issues surrounding press freedom in Tunisia and highlights the need to preserve this freedom for the good of Tunisian society.
The context of Tunisian national television:
Tunisian national television, which has existed since 1963, has always been under the influence and pressure of political leaders. Despite the changes that occurred after the 2011 revolution, the channel never really succeeded in gaining its independence. President Kais Saied has accused the channel’s CEO, Awatef Daly, of broadcasting programs that do not meet the expectations of the Tunisian people. This interference in the work of the public media provoked a strong reaction from the Syndicate of Tunisian Journalists, which underlined the importance of respecting the independence of the media.
Attacks on the freedom of the press:
Since the coup by the Tunisian president two years ago, the Tunisian media have suffered repeated press freedom violations. Journalists have been brought to justice and even sentenced to unprecedented prison terms. This situation has created a climate of fear and censorship, raising fears for the future of the press in Tunisia.
The call to preserve the freedom of the press:
Faced with these attacks on freedom of the press, many voices have been raised to defend the principles of pluralism, diversity and objectivity in the Tunisian media. The Syndicate of Tunisian Journalists called for respecting the independence of national television and putting an end to all forms of political interference. It is essential to preserve the freedom of the press in Tunisia to guarantee free, transparent and pluralistic information, which nourishes democratic debate and allows Tunisian society to progress.
Conclusion:
Press freedom remains a persistent challenge in Tunisia. Despite the progress made since the 2011 revolution, the Tunisian media continue to face attacks on their independence and freedom of expression. It is crucial to support Tunisian journalists and defend their right to freely inform the population. The preservation of press freedom is essential for the democratic development of Tunisia and to allow citizens to access diversified and reliable information