The SNJT has expressed concerns over the sentencing of journalist Zied El Heni to four years in prison by a specialized criminal chamber dealing with terrorism cases. El Heni was found guilty in connection with his journalistic work on the "sound recordings" case. The union has demanded that El Heni be granted a fair trial and that all defense guarantees be respected. This case has raised concerns about press freedom and the protection of journalists' sources.
According to the SNJT, El Heni's prosecution began after he was questioned as a witness in the "sound recordings" case, which involves politician Mondher Ounissi, a former secretary-general of the Ennahdha party. El Heni was asked about his relationships with his information sources in this case, before his legal status was changed to that of an accused person. The union has highlighted that El Heni faces four charges under the law on the fight against terrorism and money laundering.
The charges against El Heni include forming a terrorist organization, disclosing secrets for the benefit of the organization, failing to report a terrorist crime, and contacting foreign agents to incite them to harm the country's interests. The SNJT has condemned these charges and called for an end to what it describes as arbitrary prosecutions against journalists for their professional work or opinions.
The union has emphasized the need to respect the confidentiality of journalistic sources and protect them from any form of attack or pressure. The SNJT has also called for an end to the instrumentalization of laws and judicial procedures aimed at restricting freedom of expression and journalistic work. This case has sparked concerns about the independence of the press and the protection of journalists in Tunisia.
The SNJT has urged the political authorities to take responsibility and take concrete measures to put an end to restrictions, guarantee press independence, and ensure respect for freedom of expression. The union has stressed that protecting journalists and the confidentiality of their sources is a non-negotiable commitment. The SNJT has also highlighted that any attack on a journalist represents a threat to press freedom and the right of society to free and independent information.
The case of Zied El Heni has raised concerns about the state of press freedom in Tunisia and the protection of journalists. The SNJT's demands for a fair trial and the protection of journalistic sources reflect the union's commitment to defending journalists' rights and promoting a free and independent press. The outcome of this case will be closely watched by journalists and human rights defenders in Tunisia and beyond.
Key points
- The SNJT demands a fair trial for Zied El Heni and an end to arbitrary prosecutions against journalists.
