Tunisian journalists rally outside court demanding release of detained reporter Mohamed Yousfi

On Tuesday, a crowd of journalists and activists gathered in Tunis in front of a court where Mohamed Yousfi, editor-in-chief of the investigative site Al-Qatiba, was being interrogated on accusations of illicit enrichment and money laundering. Observers contend the case is a pretext to punish his outspoken stance against President Kais Saied. Zied Dabbar, leader of the SNJT journalists' syndicate, described the environment as hostile, noting that journalists who challenge authorities risk prosecution or exile.

Yousfi's arrest follows a series of detentions of media figures this year, including Zied Heni, Mourad Zghidi, Borhen Bsaies and the sentencing in absentia of Khaoula Boukrim. While free speech blossomed after the 2011 uprising that toppled Zine El Abidine Ben Ali, Saied's consolidation of power since 2021 has eroded democratic safeguards, prompting concerns over a climate of fear among the press.