Tunisians rally for press freedom and the release of political prisoners
Al Jazeera reports that a large crowd gathered in the capital Tunis called for the release of journalists, trade union representatives, and opposition politicians. The government described the protest as having 'limited turnout'.
Al Jazeera's Tunis correspondent reported that the crowd marching along the capital's Avenue Habib Bourguiba carried banners reading 'the press cannot be jailed' and 'freedom for political prisoners'. A spokesperson for the Tunisian Journalists' Union said charges had been filed against nine journalists in the past six months, four of whom are in custody.
Opposition parties amplified calls to join the demonstration on social media, while the UGTT trade union confederation issued a 'rights-based' statement of support. The Interior Ministry described the gathering as 'organised by a limited number of people', and the Tunis Police Union did not share detention figures. EU and UN reports indicate that the press-freedom index for Tunisia has fallen over the past three years.
Observers expect the government to open debate on a constitutional amendment package in the coming months. A border-control law and online publication oversight rules are also on that package's agenda. This article is not investment advice.
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