Workers of the Tunisian Africa Press (TAP) company reveal at their headquarters with posters studying "Fourth energy, not fourth slave" in Tunis, Thursday, April, 15, 2021. (AP Photograph/Hassene Dridi)
TUNISIA --
A Tunisian court docket on Thursday detained a journalist who criticized police and the inside minister, the primary journalism union mentioned, denouncing a setback in freedom of expression since President Kais Saied seized government energy final summer season.
Chahrazed Akacha was the second journalist to be imprisoned inside a month, after one other was jailed for every week in March for publishing a narrative on militants.
The union mentioned Akacha's arrest was on account of a Fb publish wherein she criticized the inside minister and accused police of insulting and beating her on the street final week.
In her publish, Akacha known as on inside minister to regulate his policemen, describing them as "canines," after she mentioned they beat her, insulted her and took off her veil.
The police and inside ministry weren't instantly out there for remark.
Improved speech and press freedoms have been a key achieve for Tunisians after the 2011 revolution that ended the rule of former President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali and triggered the Arab spring protests.
Nonetheless, the democratic system adopted after the rebellion is in deep disaster after President Saied seized government energy and brushed apart the structure to rule by decree, a transfer opponents known as a coup.
Final month, Saied dissolved the parliament, sparking widespread anger at dwelling and overseas.
Saied, who grew to become outstanding as a legislation professor when he began showing on media reveals to speak in regards to the structure after 2011, says he respects all freedoms and rights and won't change into a dictator.
Critics say his actions, which additionally embody changing a physique that assured judicial independence, present he's decided to cement one-man rule.
(Reporting by Tarek Amara; Modifying by Lincoln Feast.)
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