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Alert

Journalist launches hunger strike in protest over constant harassment

(IFJ/IFEX) - The following is an abridged version of a 5 April 2006 IFJ media release:

IFJ expresses grave concern as journalist faces constant harassment

Brussels, 5 April 2006

The IFJ has expressed its grave concern regarding Tunisian journalist Slim Boukhdhir's announcement that he was commencing a hunger strike.

Boukhdhir, formerly a journalist with the publications "Akhbar El Joumhouria" and "Essarih", has over several months been restricted to making ends meet by freelance writing and obtaining random contracts with various press organisations. He was previously a correspondent with Alarabya.net and has currently been working at the daily "Al Shouroukh", after a brief stint with the weekly "Al Hadeth" that was cut short.

"I have been progressively sidelined by my daily newspaper; none of my articles have been published since November 2005; my salary has been frozen since February 2006 but they have refused to inform me officially of my dismissal," indicated Boukhdir. "My passport was confiscated and they have refused to grant me a press pass."

Mr. Boukhdir has asked that his rights to freedom of expression and association, and to work, be respected.

IFJ is appealing to the Tunisian authorities to satisfy these fundamental claims and to permit Boukhdir to return to his profession. IFJ is asking the authorities to cease the continual harassment of journalists and to respect international conventions, particularly those relating to freedom of the press.

The IFJ represents more than 500,000 journalists in more than 110 countries.