A Tunisian judge ordered the detention of prominent journalist Ziad El Hani on charges of insulting President Kais Saied after he directed criticisms at him in radio statements. The arrest raises concerns about freedom of expression in Tunisia since President Saied assumed extensive powers in 2021, when he dissolved parliament and began ruling by decree. Hani's lawyer, Dalila Ben Mbarek, stated in an interview with Reuters: "Ziad El Hani was interrogated in the absence of his lawyer. What happened is a farce that reinforces the dictatorial approach."
El Hani, a host of a daily radio program, has not commented on the allegations of insulting the president, which carry a maximum penalty of five years in prison. In recent months, more than 20 political, judicial, media, and business figures with ties to the opposition have been imprisoned, some facing charges of conspiring against state security. Major opposition parties have condemned the arrests, and human rights groups have urged the Tunisian authorities to release the detainees.
In turn, Saied has described the detainees as terrorists, criminals, and traitors, stating: "Judges who release them will be considered their partners." Ziad El Hani is a journalist known for his sharp criticism of most governments since the 2011 revolution. He also criticized the late President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali and is now a fierce critic of President Saied. He continually asserts that Saied has staged a coup and seeks to destroy democracy and undermine press freedom. Freedom of expression is the primary gain achieved by Tunisians after the 2011 revolution that ousted the dictatorial president Ben Ali. However, activists, journalists, and politicians say this freedom is facing a serious threat under Saied's rule.
