Criminalizing Dissent: Six Stories from Tunisia’s Political and Media Crackdown

Tunisia’s political and media landscape has changed drastically since 2021, with expanded use of criminal law against journalists, opposition figures, and commentators critical of authorities. This article presents the profiles of six individuals targeted within the scope of the government’s crackdown on dissidence: journalist Chadha Hadj Mbarek, media commentator Mourad Zeghidi, opposition politician Issam Chebbi, party leader Abir Moussi, young journalist and political activist Siwar Bargaoui, and lawyer–politician Ghazi Chaouachi.

Siwar Bargaoui, oubliée en prison

Victime d’un interminable acharnement judiciaire, cette jeune journaliste a aujourd’hui la vie brisée. Pourtant, son cas ne semble guère intéresser les cercles politico-humanitaires, d’habitude prompts à s’indigner. Alors que les figures de proue du mouvement « Azimoun » se sont éclipsées, de peur sans doute de subir le même sort.