Prominent Tunisian journalist jailed for defamation

JAILED … Mohammed Boughalleb faced charges of insulting a public official, his lawyer has said.

A court in Tunisia has sentenced a prominent journalist to six months in prison for defaming a civil servant, according to his lawyer.

Mohammed Boughalleb’s brother and attorney both said he had faced charges of insulting a public official.

He was detained in the capital, Tunis, last month on a complaint from the official who works in the religious affairs ministry.

Reports say the official accused Boughalleb of “damaging her honour and reputation” in Facebook posts and in the local media.

Boughalleb, a radio journalist, is known as an outspoken critic of president Kais Saied.

The head of the national journalists’ union, Zied Dabbar, said the incident was the latest attempt by the state to intimidate journalists.

International media organisation Reporters Without Borders has warned of growing restrictions on journalists in Tunisia. – BBC

Stay informed with The Namibian – your source for credible journalism. Get in-depth reporting and opinions for only N$85 a month. Invest in journalism, invest in democracy –
Subscribe Now!

Latest News