Tunisian Journalists Imprisoned Amid Allegations of Money Laundering
In a controversial move, the Tunisian public prosecutor has ordered the imprisonment of two journalists, Burhan Bessis and Mourad Al-Zaghidi, on suspicions of money laundering. This decision comes while both journalists are already serving a one-year sentence for previously being convicted of publishing false news. The order was issued by the first investigating judge at the Tunis Court of First Instance, who has not provided further details regarding the money laundering allegations.
Bessis, a political program host on the private radio station IFM, and Al-Zaghidi were sentenced last May for spreading false information that allegedly defamed others. Their arrests have sparked widespread criticism from local and international human rights organizations, which accuse the Tunisian government of suppressing freedom of expression and targeting journalists and political dissenters.
Political Context and Judicial Independence in Tunisia
The actions against Bessis and Al-Zaghidi occur within a broader context of political turmoil in Tunisia. President Kais Saied, who secured a second term in office last October, has faced accusations from opposition groups of manipulating the judiciary to silence critics. Following exceptional measures he implemented on July 25, 2021, which included dissolving the Judicial Council and Parliament and issuing legislation by presidential decree, Tunisia has experienced significant political polarization.
While President Saied maintains that Tunisia's judicial system operates independently, critics argue that his actions represent a coup against the 2014 constitution, which was established following the 2011 revolution that ousted former President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali. Supporters of Saied view his measures as necessary corrections to the course of the revolution, aiming to stabilize the country amidst ongoing challenges.
