The National Union of Tunisian Journalists has announced a halt to its cooperation with the Independent High Authority for Elections (ISIE), noting the latter’s excessive communication with journalists and unwarranted meddling in media content. This is according to a press release issued by the union.
The union has unequivocally denounced the potential transformation of the electoral body into an entity that limits freedom of opinion and journalistic content. Such a change would not only surpass the ISIE’s designated role but also conflict with the constitutional rights and international norms involving freedom of the press and expression.
This stance was prompted by the ISIE’s notice to the “Nawaat” website following the publication of an opinion piece titled “Case of Conspiracy against state security: the role of judicial power in serving political authority.”
The union disputes that the article represents fundamental journalistic efforts to spark debate and stir controversy over matters of national significance, thereby strengthening the principles of freedom of opinion and expression.
It is underscored that the ISIE’s actions are regarded as overt intrusions into media content and unwarranted censorship of reporters, blatantly overstepping its boundaries. The threat of invoking Decree 54 is seen as a systematic try to curb press freedom, expression, and media independence.
Similarly, the Journalists’ Union reaffirms its dedication to fostering a free, pluralistic media environment that operates independently of any external pressures. It advocates for the exclusive handling of publication matters under Decree No. 115 and calls for the abolition of Decree No. 54, which it views as a notable threat to the fundamental principles of press and expression freedom achieved by the revolution.