The National Union of Tunisian Journalists (SNJT) has issued a severe warning, denouncing an “unprecedented escalation of threats” against press freedom and highlighting a “rise in censorship” across the country.
Following a meeting of its executive committee, the SNJT released a statement characterizing the current context as “critical.” The union cited “alarming indicators” that suggest the potential shutdown of media outlets due to both political pressure and the deep economic and social difficulties facing the sector.
The SNJT pointed to “continuous attempts” to “subdue and domesticate” the media through “restrictions, harassment, and exclusions.” Specific instances of pressure cited include: Journalists being prevented from “covering trials for opinions.” The “concealment of information of public interest” in major national cases. The recent barring of national and international media from entering courtrooms to cover trials involving political and media figures.
Furthermore, the union denounced the current policy of depriving journalists of their right to obtain a professional press card, and international media correspondents of filming permits.
According to the SNJT, these practices demonstrate “a clear intention to undermine the very essence of free journalism and to transform the media into tools of propaganda.”
AK/fss/abj/APA