The National Union of Tunisian Journalists (SNJT) has issued a sharp condemnation following the two-year prison sentence handed to journalist Ghassen Ben Khelifa, calling the verdict a violation of constitutional guarantees for free expression.
Ben Khelifa, the editor-in-chief of the news site Inhiyaz, reportedly left Tunisia after the Tunis Court of First Instance delivered the ruling in a case centered on the management of a Facebook page.
The charges against Ben Khelifa include “using information systems to disseminate false information undermining public security” and allegations of involvement in a terrorist conspiracy. The journalist has steadfastly denied any connection to the social media page in question, noting that the primary suspect in the case had already claimed sole responsibility for its administration. This discrepancy has led press advocates to question the legal basis of the conviction.
This case highlights a growing regional trend where digital regulations are increasingly utilized to monitor online discourse. However, the SNJT and other professional organizations argue that the application of these broad laws against media professionals creates a climate of legal uncertainty. They are calling for all press-related matters to be adjudicated strictly under dedicated media legislation rather than broader security or anti-terrorism statutes.
Beyond this individual case, the conviction underscores a deepening tension in Tunisia between national security priorities and the protection of fundamental freedoms. As prosecutions of media figures rise, observers warn of a growing culture of self-censorship that could stifle independent news production. These developments are being closely monitored by international partners, who view the safeguarding of public freedoms as a critical indicator of a country’s institutional stability and long-term economic attractiveness.
MK/AK/te/Sf/lb/abj/APA