Tunisian journalists, activists decry ‘crackdown’ on dissent

Tunis, Feb 16 (EFE).- Dozens of journalists and political activists protested Thursday in the Tunisian capital against a perceived crackdown on dissent, following a wave of arrests against critics and opposition figures.

Demonstrators gathered outside the government headquarters to demand press freedom and the release of director of independent Radio Mosaïque FM Noureddine Boutar, who was arrested on Monday for alleged money laundering.

During his interrogation, Boutar was asked about Mosaïque’s operations, according to the outlet.

“We are journalists, not terrorists,” protesters shouted, responding to Tunisian president Kais Saied who said the recent spate of arrests were for “plotting against state security.”

Meanwhile, supporters of the Islamist opposition party Ennahda – the main force in the now-dissolved parliament – rallied in front of the ministry of justice to condemn the detention of several of its leaders.

Among those arrested were Noureddine Bhiri, vice president of Ennahda and a former justice minister, and Abdelhamid Jelassi, a former senior leader of the opposition party.

Both were arrested after their homes were searched and without being informed what charges they face.EFE

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