Press release
Geneva – August 11, 2024
The Committee for Justice (CFJ) has condemned the recent arrest of Tunisian rapper Ghassan Aounallah and photographer Nassim Al-Naqili by authorities on Thursday, August 8th, citing their detention as an unjustifiable crackdown on freedom of expression.
The arrests were reportedly linked to a song released on YouTube in which Ghassan criticizes the country’s current situation. In the song, he speaks about friends and neighbors who are imprisoned, highlighting the struggles of Tunisian youth under heavy security measures, and calls for the freedom of all young detainees.
The public prosecutor has charged the two with multiple offenses, including using an information network to disseminate false information and rumors with the intent to harm public security and national defense, and inciting fear among the population.
CFJ has rejected these charges, deeming them a violation of fundamental rights to freedom of expression and opinion, which are protected under both the Tunisian constitution and international agreements to which Tunisia is a signatory. CFJ is calling for the immediate and unconditional release of both Aounallah and Al-Naqili and demands an end to any further arbitrary actions against them.
