Tunisia's public prosecutor took journalist Mohamed Boughalleb into custody, suspecting him of insulting a government official, sparking outcry from the journalist union, fearing an attack on press freedom. Boughalleb, known for criticizing President Kais Saied, faces detention amid concerns that freedoms are shrinking ahead of upcoming elections.
According to Judge Mohamed Zitouna, a public official filed a complaint against Boughalleb for social media and radio remarks. The court will soon decide on extending or lifting his detention.
Support for Boughalleb surged from fellow journalists and activists, urging President Saied to safeguard free speech. Saied gained expanded powers in 2021, disrupting the elected parliament and assuming control over the judiciary.
Despite Tunisia's strides in press freedom since the 2011 revolution, concerns mount over its erosion under Saied's leadership, despite his election in 2019. Saied denies allegations of authoritarianism, pledging to uphold democracy.