Independent Tunisian journalist Zied El-Heni has been sentenced to one year in prison by a Tunisian court after publicly criticizing judicial rulings targeting fellow journalists. The verdict was delivered on Thursday, May 7, according to the support group Free Zied Elheni, which strongly condemned the decision. The court reportedly convicted Zied El-Heni on charges related to “offending others” following comments he made about what he described as unfair rulings against several journalists.
Arrest followed public defense of fellow journalists
Known for his sharp criticism of the policies of Tunisian President Kaïs Saïed, Zied El-Heni was arrested on April 24, 2026. According to his lawyer, Samir Dilou, the investigation was launched over remarks made during a conference held in early April at a law faculty in Tunis. During the event, the journalist reportedly defended colleagues he believed had been “unjustly” convicted.
Support committee denounces attack on press freedom
The Free Zied Elheni described the sentence as punishment for opinions expressed in the exercise of journalistic work. The case has reignited concerns among press freedom advocates and human rights organizations over freedom of expression in Tunisia. Critics argue that the conviction reflects growing pressure on journalists and dissenting voices under the administration of Kaïs Saïed.
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