The Tunisian court released two young men today, Thursday, who were arrested for a satirical song that criticizes the police, shortly after President Kais Saied expressed his astonishment and disapproval of the arrest decision. The police detained Youssef Shalabi and Diaa Nasir after they, along with another friend, posted a video on TikTok and Facebook showing them laughing and singing a satirical song that criticizes the police's treatment of detainees and critiques drug laws.
The detention of the two men raised concerns among activists and bloggers who shared the song in solidarity with them. Some expressed that "freedoms have become constrained" and that "Tunisia has become a large prison." President Kais Saied rejected the injustice and was "strongly surprised" by the arrest of the two young men, addressing Prime Minister Najla Bouden and stating that it is completely unacceptable to arrest young men for singing a song, urging judges to fulfill their duties.
Additionally, dozens of journalists and activists protested against the restrictions on freedoms and trials targeting journalists and bloggers. Mahdi Jlassi, head of the journalists' union, told Reuters, "These are difficult times… freedom of expression is facing increasing blows. Around 20 journalists and bloggers are being pursued due to posts or stances against the authorities." Jlassi vowed to continue the battle for freedom, asserting that "freedom of expression will remain as long as there are defenders of it."
