Finance
Tunisian Journalist Detained After Criticising Judiciary, Lawyer Says
Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®
Posted on April 24, 2026
2 min readLast updated: April 24, 2026
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Quick Summary
Tunisian journalist Zied Heni was detained on April 24 after publishing criticism of the judiciary, prompting concern that this reflects President Kais Saied’s broader erosion of free speech and judicial independence.
Prominent Tunisian Reporter Zied Heni Detained for Criticising Judiciary
Crackdown on Free Speech and Judicial Independence in Tunisia
Detention of Zied Heni
TUNIS, April 24 (Reuters) - Prominent Tunisian reporter Zied Heni was detained on Friday after writing an article criticising the judiciary, according to his lawyer, a move the journalists' union said was part of a broader crackdown on free speech.
The Tunisian public prosecutor ordered the arrest, lawyer Nafaa Laribi told Reuters. There was no immediate statement from the prosecutor's office or details of any charge.
Background: Erosion of Judicial Independence
Actions by President Kais Saied
Rights groups warn of growing attempts to stifle remaining independent voices since President Kais Saied dissolved the elected parliament in 2021 and began ruling by decree.
In 2022, President Kais Saied also dissolved the Supreme Judicial Council and dismissed dozens of judges, a move the opposition said undermined judicial independence and turned it into a body receiving direct instructions.
Government Response
Saied denies the accusations, saying he fought corruption in the judiciary and that the courts are now independent.
Reactions from Journalists and Rights Groups
The head of Tunisian journalists’ union, Zied Dabbar, said Heni's detention was "arbitrary and ... another step aimed at intimidating journalists".
Context: Tunisia's Democratic Backsliding
From Arab Spring to Current Crackdown
Free speech initially flourished following the 2011 uprising that toppled autocrat Zine El Abidine Ben Ali and led to the "Arab Spring".
But critics say Saied's accumulation of power in 2021 and decrees he has issued since then have dismantled democratic safeguards and enabled the authorities to pursue many journalists.
Wider Impact on Opposition and Civil Society
The leaders of Tunisia's main opposition parties have been jailed in the last three years, along with dozens of politicians, journalists, activists and businessmen, on charges of conspiring against state security, money laundering and corruption.
Official Position on Freedoms
Saied says he will not be a dictator and that freedoms are guaranteed in Tunisia, but that no one is above the law, regardless of their name or position.
(Reporting By Tarek Amara; Editing by Andrew Heavens)
Key Takeaways
- •Zied Heni’s detention underscores a growing crackdown on journalists under Saied’s regime, part of a broader pattern of repression.
- •President Saied has dismantled key judicial safeguards since 2021—dissolving the Supreme Judicial Council and dismissing dozens of judges—raising alarms from rights groups about judicial independence.
- •International observers highlight that Tunisia’s post‑Arab Spring gains in press freedom and institutional checks have been severely reversed under Saied’s concentrated rule.
Frequently Asked Questions about Tunisian journalist detained after criticising judiciary, lawyer says
1Why was Tunisian journalist Zied Heni detained?
Zied Heni was detained after writing an article criticising Tunisia's judiciary, according to his lawyer.
2Who ordered the arrest of Zied Heni?
The Tunisian public prosecutor ordered the arrest of Zied Heni.
3What concerns have rights groups raised about press freedom in Tunisia?
Rights groups have warned of increasing efforts to stifle independent voices and limit press freedom since President Kais Saied assumed rule by decree.
4How has President Kais Saied been involved with the judiciary?
President Kais Saied dissolved the Supreme Judicial Council and dismissed judges, which critics say compromised judicial independence.
5What has been the trend for journalists and opposition figures in Tunisia since 2021?
Many journalists, politicians, and activists have been jailed since 2021 on various charges including conspiring against state security and corruption.