Tunisian police detain journalist Mohamed Yousfi ahead of radio interview
Tunisian authorities arrested journalist Mohamed Yousfi as he was about to appear on Express FM, prompting concerns over press freedom.
On Friday, Tunisian police seized journalist Mohamed Yousfi just as he was preparing to enter Express FM Radio for a scheduled interview with presenter Walid Ben Rhouma. Zied Dabbar, president of the SNJT journalists' syndicate, announced the detention, noting Yousfi’s outspoken criticism of President Kais Saied. Police told the radio station that Yousfi would be taken for questioning but offered no explanation.
The incident follows a pattern of arrests of media figures, including Zied Heni, Mourad Zghidi, Borhen Bsaies, and Khaoula Boukrim, amid accusations that Saied’s decrees are silencing dissent. Human-rights observers say the crackdown threatens the limited press freedoms that survived the 2011 Arab Spring uprising.
Why it matters
The arrest highlights growing pressure on journalists in Tunisia and raises alarms about shrinking free-speech protections.
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