Tunisian Journalist Arrested for Criticizing Government

Tunisian journalist Zeid El-Heni was arrested and is due to stand trial on January 10, accused of 'defaming others on social media' after criticizing a government minister. This incident has raised concerns over press freedom and freedom of speech in Tunisia, with the International Federation of Journalists expressing deep concern over the frequent imprisonment of journalists. The arrest is part of a larger pattern of using legal procedures to silence dissent and intimidate journalists in the country. Journalistic organizations, such as the Committee to Protect Journalists, have called for El-Heni's immediate and unconditional release, and have criticized President Kais Saied's government for its lack of respect for press freedom.