Tunisia – Solidarity Rally for “Nawaat” Against Press Freedom Suppression

Participants in a solidarity rally emphasized that the suspension of the “Nawaat” website constitutes a direct attack on press freedom in Tunisia, describing the decision as politically motivated to silence independent voices.

On Thursday, 13 November, journalists and civil society representatives gathered at the National Union of Tunisian Journalists headquarters in support of “Nawaat,” following an administrative decision to suspend the association’s activities for one month. The union had previously called for strong attendance, describing the suspension as a dangerous precedent threatening journalistic independence and the freedom of independent media institutions.

Speakers reaffirmed their rejection of attempts to undermine press freedom, stressing that freedom of opinion and expression is a key achievement of Tunisians and journalists after the revolution. They warned that infringing upon it is a direct threat to democracy.

Former “Nawaat” journalist Manal Derbali described the suspension as shocking but expected, given the website’s serious journalism covering violations, protests, and political movements. She criticized the political environment for violating fundamental freedoms, silencing dissent, and creating fear rather than opening participatory dialogue. She affirmed that “Nawaat”’s voice will persist, and the decision will ultimately be overturned.

Derbali concluded by calling for a strong front of journalists and civil society against authoritarianism and all forms of censorship, emphasizing solidarity to defend press freedom before similar actions affect others.

“The decision aims to silence free voices”

Miy Al-Abidi, communications officer at the “Intersection for Rights and Freedoms” association, explained that she attended to express solidarity with her colleagues at “Nawaat” after its one-month suspension, describing the decision as clearly political and intended to silence free voices that work to reveal the truth.

She added: “Unfortunately, we receive daily reports of attacks on independent media platforms, threats against them, and even the suspension of their activities, in addition to journalists being imprisoned. This is a major loss for Tunisia, because freedom of expression is a fundamental pillar of any democratic system. I hope this crisis will soon pass, people can regain normal life, and the most important gain of the 2011 revolution—freedom of opinion and expression—can be restored.

In conclusion, this solidarity gathering with “Nawaat” reflects the growing concern among journalists and civil society actors about the future of press freedom in Tunisia. It also underscores that defending freedom of expression has become a shared struggle, and that any attack on an independent media outlet is viewed as a direct threat to the democratic gains achieved by Tunisians after the revolution.