Tunisian journalist Mohamed Boughalleb, renowned for his outspoken criticism of President Kais Saied, has been placed under police custody on Friday, according to his lawyer.
Boughalleb, a prominent figure in Tunisian television, was summoned and questioned by a cybercrime unit in the outskirts of Tunis following a complaint lodged by a civil servant, as disclosed by his lawyer, Hamadi Zaafrani.
“After hours of hearing, it was decided to place him in police custody for 48 hours,” he added.
The complaint was filed by a female employee of the Tunisian Ministry of Religious Affairs, alleging that Boughalleb had tarnished her reputation through Facebook posts, local media reported.
“This case is but a new attempt to intimidate journalists and silence them by exploiting state apparatus,” said Zied Dabbar, head of the National Union of Tunisian Journalists.
Known for his critical views on President Saied, Boughalleb’s detention adds to a list of government opponents currently incarcerated as Tunisia gears up for upcoming presidential elections later this year.
Approximately 20 journalists are currently facing charges for their journalistic activities, as highlighted by the Tunisian journalists’ union.
Since President Saied consolidated full powers in July 2021, both local and international watchdogs have expressed concerns over declining freedoms in Tunisia, once hailed as the birthplace of the Arab Spring protests over a decade ago.
