Prominent Tunisian journalist Mohamed Boughalleb has been held in arbitrary detention since his arrest on 22 March 2024 by security forces, following a complaint from a senior Ministry of Religious Affairs official. The complaint stemmed from Boughalleb’s public comments on social media and appearances on TV and radio, where he questioned the ministry’s spending.
Boughalleb was subsequently convicted of defamation and sentenced to eight months in prison. In addition, he remains in pre-trial detention for a separate case under Decree-Law 2022-54 on Cybercrimes, also related to his public statements.
Human rights groups have expressed concern over the journalist’s health, which has deteriorated significantly during his detention. Authorities have been criticized for failing to provide him with adequate medical care.
Advocates for freedom of expression have called for Boughalleb’s immediate and unconditional release, arguing that his detention is solely due to his peaceful exercise of free speech.
The case has drawn international attention, adding to concerns about press freedom and human rights in Tunisia.