A Tunisian court has handed down a six-month prison sentence to a well-known journalist for defaming a civil servant, as reported by his lawyer.
According to both Mohammed Boughalleb’s brother and his attorney, he was charged with insulting a public official. Boughalleb was apprehended in Tunis last month following a complaint from the official, who is employed in the ministry of religious affairs.
Reports indicate that the official accused Boughalleb of damaging her reputation and honor through Facebook posts and local media outlets. Boughalleb, recognized as a radio journalist, has been noted for his outspoken criticism of President Kais Saied.
Zied Dabbar, the head of the national journalists’ union, condemned the incident as the latest effort by the state to intimidate journalists. Additionally, Reporters Without Borders, an international media organization, has cautioned about increasing constraints on journalists in Tunisia.