Naziha Busaidi

Tunisia_Journalist Shatha Al-Haj Mubarak reaffirmed her insistence on her innocence,which she defended from the beginning of the investigations until the final appeal hearing. She and her family also expressed deep gratitude to everyone who supported them throughout this ordeal.

Yesterday, Friday, January 17, the National Union of Tunisian Journalists (SNJT) welcomed journalist Shatha Al-Haj Mubarak following her release, amid an atmosphere filled with joy, ululations, and flowers. A large number of journalists attended the reception ceremony organized by the union to celebrate her return, in a scene that embodied the values of professional and human solidarity within journalism.

Through our agency’s coverage of the reception held in her honor, Shatha Al-Haj Mubarak expressed her profound appreciation for her colleagues and for the union, stressing that they never left her or her family alone throughout her hardship.

She clarified that she was not conspiring against the country, emphasizing that she defended her innocence from the very first day of the investigation until the final appeal session, and that she will continue to do so before the Court of Cassation.

In its statement, the National Union of Tunisian Journalists renewed its absolute commitment to the freedom of journalists and freedom of the press, considering them fundamental pillars of the rule of law and democracy. The union called for the necessity of providing a safe environment that guarantees journalists the ability to perform their duties without restriction, threat, or prosecution, in accordance with constitutional guarantees and international conventions.

The union also affirmed that it will continue to defend all journalists, sparing no effort in protecting press freedom and safeguarding the dignity of professionals in the sector.

For his part, the brother of journalist Shatha Al-Haj Mubarak expressed his deep gratitude to all media professionals, associations, and citizens who stood in solidarity with Shatha Mubarak, especially after she was diagnosed with cancer while in prison. He extended his thanks and expressed his hope for the release of all unjustly detained prisoners.

 

Solidarity and Support

Khawla Chabah, Head of the Monitoring Unit at the Occupational Safety Center affiliated with the National Union of Tunisian Journalists, explained that Shatha Al-Haj Mubarak’s entry into the union’s headquarters following her release marked a deeply moving moment of welcome by her colleagues. She stated that this case—like the earlier case of journalist Khalifa Al-Qasimi—highlighted the importance of professional and popular solidarity in confronting the challenges journalists face, particularly when they are exposed to ongoing threats that affect their identity or hinder their journalistic work.

She added that “solidarity has become more necessary than ever to protect one another,” noting that journalists in Shatha’s case and others launched solidarity campaigns on social media. These campaigns generated public support for journalists’ causes during periods of judicial prosecution, targeting their lives and families and exposing them to threats and other forms of violence—factors that are critically important for ensuring their safety and security in the field.

 

“My Daughter Was in Love with the Free Word”

In turn, Rachida Al-Haj Mubarak, Shatha Mubarak’s mother, expressed her happiness at her daughter’s release from prison in a special interview with our agency. She stated that a person may go through situations they never wished for, but darkness must eventually fade and light must rise again.

“I thank the National Union of Tunisian Journalists and all media professionals who stood by my daughter and supported her throughout her ordeal,” she said.

She noted that her daughter had been in love with words since childhood, had been active in running a journalism club, and demonstrated a deep passion for the profession despite the challenges and difficulties she faced, including her disability. “What may seem ordinary to some is a great achievement for her,” she explained.

She affirmed that Shatha Mubarak possesses strong determination, a resilient spirit, and a tireless work ethic, adding that what happened to her was nothing more than a stumble along life’s path—one that any person may encounter.