Tunisian Court Jails Journalist Zied Heni for One Year After Judiciary Criticism

Mintesinot Niggusie

A Tunisian court has sentenced journalist Zied Heni to one year in prison after he criticised a judicial ruling, in a case that has renewed scrutiny over freedom of expression and judicial independence in the country.

The ruling was issued on Thursday, weeks after Heni was detained over an article targeting the judiciary. Tunisia’s journalists’ union described the prosecution as part of a wider campaign against critical voices.

Heni said he would not challenge the verdict, stating from prison: “I’m facing an illegitimate trial in which my rights are being violated.” The case comes amid continuing political tensions since President Kais Saied dissolved parliament in 2021.

Critics say the concentration of power has weakened democratic safeguards and enabled authorities to pursue journalists and activists. Saied has denied the accusations, saying reforms were intended to combat corruption.

Over the past three years, several opposition leaders, journalists, and activists have been jailed on various charges, leading to international concern over the state of democracy in Tunisia.