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Campaigns and Advocacy - Tunisia

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Joint action - Tunisia

IFEX-TMG calls for seven-year sentences to be overturned

Ahead of a court of appeal hearing on 28 May, IFEX-TMG urges judiciary to quash the seven-year prison terms handed down to Ghazi Ben Mohamed Beji and Jaber Ben Abdallah Majri for online publishing.

Tunisia

IFEX-TMG launches new initiatives on World Press Freedom Day

The new work includes a literary anthology edited by the president of PEN Tunisia Naziha Rejiba, a training manual on online advocacy, a workshop for cartoonists, and a national newspaper and billboard campaign championing free expression rights as Tunisia’s Constituent Assembly continues to negotiate a new national constitution.

Tunisia

Workshops on "Internet serving freedom of expression" conclude ahead of World Press Freedom Day

The workshop included theoretical, technical, and practical training on blogging, social networks, photography, and filming in support of freedom of expression.

Tunisia

World Press Freedom Day highlights lack of progress on media reform, says ARTICLE 19

ARTICLE 19 calls on the government to make use of the UNESCO World Press Freedom Day event held in Tunis as a golden opportunity to advance the media reform package.

Tunisia

Regional cartoonists at IFEX-TMG workshop in Tunisia express “hope and resolve”

"This workshop has demonstrated clearly that in Tunisia editorial cartoonists will be on the cutting edge of free speech," said CRNI Executive Director Robert Russell.

Tunisia

Workshop on "Internet and Free Expression" held in Sidi Bouzid

The workshop, organised by ANHRI and the Tunisian Center for Freedom of the Press, included practical training on new media and social networks (Facebook, Twitter and Flickr) and techniques of live broadcasts using mobile devices in addition to using the Internet to design campaigns.

Joint action - Tunisia

IFEX-TMG alarmed by ongoing attacks targeting demonstrators, media, performers and academics

The IFEX-TMG is alarmed at attacks and prison sentences based on religious morality charges, as well as the use of force by police on demonstrators.

Joint action - Tunisia

IFEX-TMG concerned by series of setbacks, calls on authorities to consolidate free expression in the country

The IFEX-TMG calls on the government to immediately pass the application decrees regarding the establishment of the HAICA – a regulatory body consisting of experts and representatives of all stakeholders to protect media against all forms of corruption and abuse.

Tunisia

Confirmation of court order could lead to return of Internet censorship

As the Tunisian Internet Agency has neither the financial resources nor technical capacity to establish a filtering system, it did not comply with the August 2011 court decision and referred the case to the country’s highest appeal court.

Joint action - Tunisia

IFEX-TMG delegation meets members of the Constituent Assembly

The delegation reaffirmed the necessity to enshrine the right to freedom of expression in the future constitution, to guarantee press freedom and the independence of public service media.

Joint action - Tunisia

IFEX-TMG calls for recent public media appointments to be revoked and for journalists' protection

On the anniversary of the revolution, IFEX-TMG urges the Tunisian government to revoke controversial appointments giving media personnel close to the deposed President key posts in the public service media, and further calls for an end to attacks on journalists.

Tunisia

On the first anniversary of the revolution, RSF writes an open letter to the authorities

While some progress has been made as regards drafting legislation and creating new media, RSF is concerned to see an increase in pressure on journalists and media.

Joint action - Tunisia

IFEX-TMG concerned by attacks on journalists and academics

IFEX-TMG calls on authorities to do more to stop attacks on freedom of expression.

Joint action - Tunisia

Freedom of expression defenders emphasise the importance of media independence and integrity

IFEX-TMG meeting in Tunis on 12 and 13 December brought together journalists, bloggers, civil society, lawyers and academics to make recommendations on the realities and challenges of reforming the media sector.

Tunisia

IFEX-TMG Conference on Freedom of Expression in Tunisia to be held in December

Agenda and invitation to attend the IFEX-TMG Freedom of Expression Conference in Tunisia on 12 and 13 December in Tunis.

Joint action - Tunisia

IFEX-TMG congratulates judge Kalthoum Kennou on her election as President of the Association of Tunisian Judges

Independent Judge Kennou suffered persecution for speaking in favour of an independent judiciary as the former Secretary-General of the AMT, under Ben Ali. She has now been elected AMT President.

Tunisia

Political parties' responses to Human Rights Watch questionnaire shed light on their human rights stances

Most of the parties feel that the new Constitution should protect freedom of expression and of the press, but they disagree on limits to free expression when it concerns the right to privacy, the protection of minorities against hate speech, and the "defamation of religions."

Joint action - Tunisia

Free expression groups call upon the government to act decisively on reforms ahead of historic elections

IFEX-TMG says time is of the essence to effectively support freedom of expression by adopting a series of positive measures and setting high standards for the future.

Joint action - Tunisia

Free expression groups celebrate freeing of whistleblower police commissioner

IFEX-TMG attends trial of Samir Feriani, acquitted of charges of leaking information about the destruction of evidence linking Tunisian secret police to torture and other crimes.

Tunisia

ANHRI contributes to seminar on status of media, free expression

Seminar participants heard testimony from journalists and activists about the state of the media under former president Ben Ali and their recommendations for media reform.

Tunisia

Human Rights Watch questionnaire challenges candidates on human rights issues

The questionnaire invites all candidates - those running both on party lists and independent lists in the 23 October 2011 election - to state their positions on key human rights issues, such as eliminating criminal penalties for nonviolent speech.

Joint action - Tunisia

Targeting of journalists and demonstrators alarming, says IFEX-TMG

The IFEX-TMG is urging action to prevent any repeat of recent violent crackdowns on demonstrators and journalists in the run up to scheduled constitutional elections in October.

Tunisia

AMARC and IMS conclude mission on media development

The objective of workshops held in five cities in early July was to present the concept of community media and listen to the voices of local journalists and civil society actors.

Tunisia

Scars of oppression run deep in the country's media

IFEX-TMG report calls for free and independent media and a strong, democratic and open civil society.

Joint action - Tunisia

IFEX-TMG members alarmed by resurgence of Internet censorship and arrests

IFEX-TMG calls for free speech rights of Tunisian citizens to be upheld in the run up to free elections.

Joint action - Tunisia

IFEX-TMG members support fair and transparent allocation process for broadcasting licences

Ahead of the first ever democratic elections in the country, IFEX-TMG members encourage a swift, fair and transparent broadcast licencing process.

Tunisia

IFEX-TMG mission to Tunisia observes freedom of expression post 14 January

In its seventh formal mission to Tunisia, and the second visit since deposed President Zine El Abedine Ben Ali fled the country, an IFEX-TMG delegation spent over a week meeting a wide range of stakeholders as part of the ongoing assessment of the state of freedom of expression in the country.

Joint action - Tunisia

IFEX-TMG members celebrate International Women's Day with brave women of Tunisia

IFEX-TMG members commend brave women journalists, activists, lawyers and judges who have never stopped calling for greater freedom of expression.

Joint action - Tunisia

Tunisian partners share history in the making with IFEX-TMG

Following visit to Tunisia in February, IFEX-TMG assesses what is needed to rebuild the independent press.

Tunisia

RSF in Tunisia: "A new freedom that needs protecting"

"Censorship has not totally disappeared and could return in force at any moment," said RSF.

Joint action - Tunisia

IFEX-TMG welcomes release of Fahem Boukadous but says struggle for freedom of expression not over yet

The remarkable events in Tunisia call for a redoubling of efforts to restore free expression rights, said the IFEX-TMG, despite the release of Boukadous.

Tunisia

IFJ seeks freedom for ailing journalist Fahem Boukadous

Boukadous is in urgent need of medical attention and his condition is worsening.

Joint action - Tunisia

IFEX-TMG concerned about further threats to freedom of expression posed by state of emergency

As the crisis evolves, the 20 members of the IFEX-TMG call for country's rulers to respect human rights, including freedom of expression.

Joint action - Tunisia

Tunisia's war on civil liberties intensifies with year's end

IFEX-TMG is deeply alarmed by a series of violations in the past week of the right to access information, free expression and movement, as well as a blatant assault on a journalist.

Joint action - Tunisia

Five years past WSIS, online activity even more censored, critics silenced

The IFEX-TMG is deeply concerned that five years after hosting the World Summit on the Information Society, Tunisia remains one of the most repressive countries for independent journalists, bloggers and human rights defenders.

Joint action - Tunisia

IFEX-TMG calls on judges associations worldwide to support persecuted independent judges in Tunisia

On the eve of the International Association of Judges (IAJ) Congress, the IFEX-TMG reiterates its deep concern about the continuous persecution of independent judges.

Joint action - Tunisia

IFEX-TMG members call for immediate release of ailing journalist on hunger strike

IFEX-TMG is gravely concerned for the well-being of Fahem Boukaddous, who began a hunger strike on 8 October to protest his prison conditions.

Joint action - Tunisia

Judges who call for independent judiciary targeted for speaking out

IFEX-TMG members have written to the IAJ to appeal for support for judges, who are being persecuted for openly calling for judicial independence or for criticising the government.

Take action! - Tunisia

Urge authorities to release journalist Fahem Boukaddous, ensure he receives medical care

Despite serious health problems, Boukaddous remains in jail serving a four-year sentence confirmed in July 2010 for reporting on social protests.

Joint action - Tunisia

IFEX-TMG appeals to Tunisia's partners to save the life of ailing journalist in prison

The IFEX-TMG strongly condemns the 15 July arrest of journalist Fahem Boukaddous, who is in poor health, and calls on Tunisia's partners to speak out to help save his life.

Tunisia

Journalist Fahem Boukaddous addresses public in open letter

"Let my life be the price to be paid for freedom and democracy," Boukaddous said.

Joint action - Tunisia

IFEX-TMG condemns jail term handed to journalist Fahem Boukaddous

The IFEX-TMG urges authorities to end to the "shameful use of the judiciary to stifle free expression and punish critical journalists" follow ing confirmation of a four-year sentence for Fahem Boukaddous.

Joint action - Tunisia

IFEX-TMG condemns adoption of new law against government critics

The IFEX-TMG, a coalition of 20 IFEX members, condemns the Tunisian Chamber of Deputies' adoption of a new law hastily tailored to stifle freedom of expression both inside and outside the country.

Tunisia

Obstructions to an independent judiciary hamper human rights, says IFEX-TMG

Following a recent mission, members of the TMG concluded in their new report that Tunisia needs a truly independent judiciary to reverse its worsening record on human rights and treatment of prisoners of opinion.

Joint action - Tunisia

TMG appeals to Washington Media Group to pressure Tunisian government on press freedom

Members of the TMG invite the Washington Media Group to take the opportunity of its new relationship with Tunisia to point out to the government that the best way to improve its image abroad is to bring its practices up to international standards of basic human rights.

Joint action - Tunisia

African Commission should examine Tunisia's poor record on freedom of expression, say TMG members

The TMG supports the NGO forum resolution urging the ACHPR to "conduct a fact-finding mission to Tunisia for an objective and documented assessment of the situation of a pluralistic and independent media."

Tunisia

Tunisians celebrate World Press Freedom Day in mourning, says OLPEC

Though one of the first countries in the region to enjoy a relatively unfettered media in the 80s, Tunisia has witnessed an historic backslide since that time.

Joint action - Tunisia

TMG welcomes release of journalist Ben Brik but condemns policy of punishing critical journalists

Members of the TMG, which is on mission in Tunisia this week, also condemned the charges against journalist Fahem Boukadous as a political manoeuvre whose true aim is to silence criticism of Tunisian authorities.

Joint action - Tunisia

TMG calls for end to harassment of journalists in Tunisia

The Tunisia Monitoring Group (TMG), a coalition of 20 IFEX members, has received reports of further harassment of Tunisian journalists working for independent media.

Joint action - Tunisia

On International Women's Day, 24 IFEX members appeal to the UN to raise concerns about the ongoing violations of women's rights

To mark the occasion of 8 March 2010, International Women's Day, members of the Tunisia Monitoring Group (TMG), and members of the IFEX Gender Working Group appeal to the UN to raise concerns about the ongoing violations of women's rights in Tunisia.

Joint action - Tunisia

Ailing journalist should be allowed specialist medical care in prison, says TMG

Campaigners for free expression voice new concern for the health of jailed journalist Taoufik Ben Brik, one of President Ben Ali's firmest critics.

Tunisia

IFJ seeks release of Tunisian journalist and end to media "intimidation"

The authorities should stop prosecuting critical journalists and put an end to this atmosphere of intimidation, says the IFJ.

Tunisia / France

Publishing groups call on France to pressure Tunisia on press freedom

In a meeting with an advisor to the French foreign affairs minister, a delegation of publishers addressed the systematic repression of free speech in Tunisia.

Joint action - Tunisia

Arab organisations condemn smear campaigns targeting human rights defenders

The smear campaigns have included incitements to murder and have gone so far as to accuse rights defenders and opposition journalists of spying for Israel.

Joint action - Tunisia

TMG calls on European Parliament to help end Tunisian government's unrelenting war on free expression

TMG members hope the public debate in the European Parliament on 20 January 2010 will send a strong message to the Tunisian government.

Joint action - Tunisia

TMG urges Tunisian government to free journalists and cease harassment

Following Taoufik Ben Brik, journalist Zouhayr Makhlouf has, in turn, been sentenced to three months in prison and a fine of 6,000 dinars.

Take action! - Tunisia

Free Ben Brik in Tunisia

The Observatoire pour la liberté de presse, d'édition et de création (OLPEC) is requesting your help - post this banner on your website calling for the release of jailed Tunisian journalist Taoufik Ben Brik. He was sentenced to six months in prison on 26 November. Ben Brik was arrested in October following publication of critical articles on the recent re-election of President Ben Ali. Members of the Tunisia Monitoring Group (TMG) remain concerned about the health of Ben Brik who suffers from a chronic ailment.

Joint action - Tunisia

Make Tunisia accountable for rights violations, TMG urges French foreign minister

In a letter to Bernard Kouchner, the TMG expressed concern over mounting free expression violations in Tunisia following recent presidential elections.

Tunisia

Election campaign "impossible for opposition media," says RSF following fact-finding visit to Tunis

RSF travelled to Tunis to verify media coverage of the campaign and opposition parties' access to public media outlets.

Joint action - Tunisia

TMG protests as independence of Tunisian journalists' union usurped

The TMG expresses its support for the democratically elected Board of the Tunisian journalists' syndicate and vehemently denounces the use of the police and judiciary to usurp the union.

Joint action - Tunisia

IFEX-TMG calls for an end to intimidation, attacks on Tunisian journalists ahead of October elections

The Tunisia Monitoring Group (TMG) is deeply concerned that repeated calls on authorities to end the cycle of repression of human rights defenders and journalists remain unheeded.

Joint action - Tunisia

IFEX-TMG calls on president to end government interference in SNJT work

(IFEX-TMG) - On 13 May 2009, the IFEX-TMG wrote to Tunisian President Zine el Abidine Ben Ali urging him to end his government's interference in the work of the national journalists' union, the SNJT.

Joint action - Tunisia

Five IFEX members and other organisations condemn prison sentences for 38 demonstrators; call for an end to attacks on Kalima radio station

(CIHRS//IFEX) - The following is an 8 February 2009 joint action by the Cairo Institute for Human Rights Studies (CIHRS), Arab Archives Institute (AAI), Arabic Network for Human Rights Information (ANHRI), Bahrain Center for Human Rights (BCHR), Maharat Foundation and 17 other organizations:

Joint action - Tunisia

IFEX-TMG members urgently call on authorities to immediately cease blockade of Radio Kalima, investigate abduction of journalist Dhafer Otay

(IFEX-TMG) - The following is an IFEX-TMG press release:

Joint action - Tunisia

TMG protests restrictions and attacks against rights defenders and websites

(IFEX-TMG) - The following is a 23 October 2008 IFEX-TMG press release:

Joint action - Tunisia

TMG protests attack on journalist and representative of IFEX member group, Sihem Bensedrine at Tunis Airport

(IFEX-TMG) - The following is a 20 August 2008 IFEX-TMG press release:

Joint action - Tunisia

IFEX-TMG raises question of freedom of expression violations with French president

(IFEX-TMG) - The following is a 9 July 2008 IFEX-TMG letter to French President Nicolas Sarkozy:

Joint action - Tunisia

IPA, PEN and WAN convey TMG recommendations to UN for better promotion of press freedom

(IPA/IFEX) - The following is a 9 June 2008 joint statement by IPA, PEN and WAN, made on behalf of the IFEX Tunisia Monitoring Group (TMG) to the 8th Session of the UN Human Rights Council:

Joint action - Tunisia

IFEX-TMG urges government to cease repeated attacks on activists following brutal violence against Sihem Bensedrine and Omar Mestiri

(IFEX-TMG) - The following is an IFEX-TMG press release:

Joint action - Tunisia

IFEX-TMG outraged at imprisonment of comedian Hédi Ouled Baballah

(IFEX-TMG) - The following is an IFEX-TMG press release:

Joint action - Tunisia

IFEX-TMG condemns journalist Slim Boukhdir's imprisonment; calls for his release

(IFEX-TMG) - The following is an 18 January 2008 IFEX-TMG press release:

Joint action - Tunisia

IFEX-TMG calls for release of journalist Slim Boukhdir, facing trial on 18 January 2008

(IFEX-TMG) - The following is an IFEX-TMG press release:

Joint action - Tunisia

In letter to UN secretary general, IFEX-TMG raises concerns about continuous attacks on freedom of expression

(IFEX-TMG) - The following is an IFEX-TMG joint letter to United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki Moon: