26 November 2009

Alert

Journalist Fahem Boukadous comes out of hiding


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(RSF/IFEX) - On 24 November 2009, journalist Fahem Boukadous came out of hiding after sixteen and a half months. "I am free, I'm happy," said Boukadous. The El Hiwar Ettounsi satellite channel journalist emerged free from Gafsa court (400 km south of Tunis) on the morning of 24 November. He was not arrested, but was nonetheless questioned for several hours at the offices of the city's political police, before being released at approximately 3:00 p.m.

Boukadous had been sentenced in absentia in December 2008 to six years in prison on charges of "forming a criminal association liable to attack persons and their property," following media coverage of demonstrations in the Gafsa mining region. The sentence was upheld on appeal on 5 February.

Is this the end of a nightmare for Boukadous? The Gafsa court will deliver its verdict on 21 December.


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More on this case

IFEX-TMG welcomes release of Fahem Boukadous but says struggle for freedom of expression not over yet 19 January 2011 IFJ seeks freedom for ailing journalist Fahem Boukadous 19 January 2011 IFEX-TMG members call for immediate release of ailing journalist on hunger strike 12 October 2010 IFJ condemns police obstruction of demonstration for imprisoned journalist 24 September 2010 Urge authorities to release journalist Fahem Boukaddous, ensure he receives medical care 21 July 2010 IFEX-TMG appeals to Tunisia's partners to save the life of ailing journalist in prison 16 July 2010 Journalist Fahem Boukaddous addresses public in open letter 14 July 2010 IFEX-TMG condemns jail term handed to journalist Fahem Boukaddous 7 July 2010 Journalist Fahem Boukaddous sentenced to four years in prison 7 July 2010 CPJ urges government to end harassment of independent journalists 25 March 2010 Journalist sentenced to four years in prison 15 January 2010 Four journalists including one working for Radio Kalima detained, questioned for several hours; issue of weekly "Ettarik Al-Jadid" seized; six-years sentence against journalist Fahem Boukadous upheld 10 February 2009 TV reporter sentenced in absentia to six years in prison for covering demonstrations 19 December 2008 Independent TV reporter wanted by police for coverage of unrest in mining region 13 November 2008

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