Tunisian Appeals Court Upholds Prison Sentences in Ongoing Crackdown on Journalists

May 13, 2026 – Tunisia –

A Tunisian appeals court has upheld prison sentences against journalists in separate cases, deepening concerns among press freedom organizations about an ongoing judicial crackdown on media professionals and critics in the country. The rulings are the latest in a series of legal actions that rights groups say are contributing to a shrinking space for independent journalism.

According to reports, the Court of Appeal confirmed a three-and-a-half-year prison sentence previously handed down to journalists Mourad Zeghidi and Borhen Bsaies on charges including money laundering and tax evasion. The two journalists have denied the allegations, while their legal team has criticized the ruling and described the case as politically motivated.

The sentences were originally issued in January and have now been fully upheld on appeal, meaning both journalists remain subject to imprisonment. Their case has drawn criticism from media advocates and NGOs, who argue that financial crime charges are increasingly being used to prosecute journalists in connection with their reporting and public commentary.

The development comes amid broader international concern over press freedom in Tunisia, where multiple journalists, lawyers, and activists have faced prosecution or detention under laws widely criticised for vague definitions and broad application. Human rights organisations say such legal frameworks are being used to restrict criticism of state institutions and discourage investigative reporting.

Media watchdogs also point to a wider pattern of judicial decisions targeting media figures, including earlier cases where journalists were sentenced for allegedly spreading false information or defaming officials. These rulings have contributed to growing alarm about the independence of the judiciary and the state of civil liberties in the country.

Authorities maintain that the prosecutions are based on criminal law violations and not journalistic activity, but critics argue that the consistent targeting of media professionals suggests a broader effort to control public discourse.

Overall, the upheld sentences reinforce concerns that Tunisia’s press environment is becoming increasingly restrictive, with journalists facing significant legal risks for their work and commentary, particularly when it involves scrutiny of state institutions or public figures.

Reference –

https://www.arabnews.com/node/2643344/middle-east

https://apanews.net/tunisian-court-upholds-sentences-on-two-journos/

https://www.newarab.com/news/tunisia-upholds-sentence-against-jailed-journalists?amp