Press release
Geneva – April 23, 2024
The Tunisian Court of First Instance has handed down a 6-month prison sentence to prominent journalist and human rights advocate Mohamed Bou Ghallab. The verdict stems from a Ministry of Religious Affairs employee complaint accusing Bou Ghallab of disseminating false information about a public official, invoking Chapter 128 of the Penal Code.
Bou Ghallab, known for his journalism and rights activism, faces additional legal challenges and is in custody due to separate charges.
The Committee for Justice (CFJ) has strongly criticized the court’s decision against Bou Ghallab, asserting that it appears linked to his journalistic pursuits. CFJ emphasizes the importance of press freedom, urging authorities to halt what it
deems a campaign of repression against media in Tunisia and to uphold freedom of expression as a fundamental human right.
The sentencing of Mohamed Bou Ghallab reflects broader challenges facing journalists and media professionals in Tunisia. CFJ’s condemnation amplifies calls for safeguarding press freedoms and ensuring the right to express dissenting opinions without intimidation or persecution.
