Tunisian Journalist Detained After Arrest Ahead of Radio Appearance

Tunisian authorities have detained Mohamed Yousfi, a prominent journalist and outspoken critic of President Kais Saied, following his arrest on Saturday. The detention order was issued by a judge on charges of illicit enrichment and money laundering, according to the state news agency.

Yousfi, who serves as editor-in-chief of the investigative news website Al-Qatiba, was taken into police custody as he prepared to appear on Express FM Radio. Zied Dabbar, president of the journalist syndicate SNJT, confirmed the arrest. Walid Ben Rhouma, a presenter who had invited Yousfi to his programme, said police provided no reason for the detention at the time.

The SNJT stated that Yousfi was questioned about his journalistic work and the editorial direction of Al-Qatiba, linking the arrest to his criticism of the authorities. The syndicate described the move as an attack not only on Yousfi but on the rights of all journalists and the public's access to free media.

This incident occurs amid growing concern from rights groups about the shrinking space for independent voices in Tunisia. Since President Saied suspended parliament in 2021 and dissolved it the following year, he has ruled by decree. Several other media figures have been jailed this year, and one journalist was sentenced in absentia in June.

While free speech expanded after the 2011 uprising, critics argue that Saied's consolidation of power has dismantled democratic safeguards and enabled the pursuit of journalists. President Saied has maintained that he is not a dictator and that freedoms remain guaranteed in Tunisia.