The Committee for Justice (CFJ) has documented the interrogation of Tunisian journalist Jamal Al-Arfaoui by the Fifth Division for Combating Information Technology and Communication Crimes of the National Guard in Al-Aouina, Tunisia, on Thursday, January 9, 2025.
The investigation was initiated after Al-Arfaoui published a report on his website, Tunisia Telegraph, mentioning Libyan Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Al-Dbeibeh and Abdel Hakim Belhadj in connection with the case of businessman Chafik Jarraya. The case is currently under review by the criminal division specializing in terrorism cases in Tunisia.
Al-Arfaoui was questioned as a “suspect” after the public prosecutor at the Tunis Primary Court denied the claims made in the report and opened an investigation into its publication.
The publication of this report led to a widespread campaign of incitement against Al-Arfaoui on various media outlets and social media platforms. He was accused inaccurately and faced calls for his prosecution under national security charges, despite clarifications from his website that the report was based on statements made during official session deliberations.
CFJ rejects the investigation of Al-Arfaoui, declaring full solidarity with him. The committee emphasizes that his actions fall within the framework of professional journalistic practices, noting that any ambiguity in the report is clarified and rectified. The committee strongly opposes such investigations and trials, deeming them a restriction on press freedom.
CFJ calls for an immediate halt to all legal proceedings against Al-Arfaoui and urges the authorities to cease judicial harassment of journalists over their reporting and opinions.
