The National Syndicate of Tunisian Journalists raised alarm on Monday over the deteriorating health conditions of imprisoned journalists Mohamed Boughalleb and Shaza El-Haj Mubarak, warning that their lives are in immediate danger.
In a statement, the union emphasized the critical state of their health, calling for “urgent and comprehensive medical interventions in specialized institutions to ensure effective treatment.” Boughalleb, who has diabetes, was sentenced last June to eight months in prison for allegedly defaming a public official.
Meanwhile, Mubarak has been detained since July 23, 2023, in connection with the so-called “InstaLingo” case, which dates back to October 2021. This case involves charges of conspiracy against state security, espionage, and defamation of the head of state, stemming from investigations into InstaLingo, a digital content production company.
The syndicate reiterated its demand for Tunisian authorities to halt what it described as unconstitutional prosecutions of journalists and media professionals, urging adherence to press sector laws.
Despite repeated assertions by President Kais Saied about the judiciary’s independence, the Tunisian authorities have not responded to the syndicate’s latest statement.
At least three other journalists remain imprisoned in Tunisia. Last May, lawyer and television commentator Sonia Dahmani was detained after criticizing government policies, including irregular migration. Political analyst Murad Zeghidi and presenter Burhan Bessis were each sentenced to one year in prison for allegedly spreading false news and harming public security through their media activities.