Story perspectives

Tunisian Journalist Sentenced, Sparking Free Speech Outrage

3/31/2026

Summary

Story summary

A Tunisian court sentenced Ghassen Ben Khelifa, editor of a news website, to two years for allegedly publishing false news.
The Syndicat National des Journalistes Tunisiens (SNJT) condemned the ruling as an attack on free speech, citing crackdown since 2021.
Ben Khelifa denied the charges, and this case follows the conviction of two other journalists.
Rights groups criticize President Kais Saied for stifling voices, while he says freedoms are guaranteed.

1 of 1

Story summary

A Tunisian court sentenced Ghassen Ben Khelifa, editor of a news website, to two years for allegedly publishing false news.
The Syndicat National des Journalistes Tunisiens (SNJT) condemned the ruling as an attack on free speech, citing crackdown since 2021.
Ben Khelifa denied the charges, and this case follows the conviction of two other journalists.
Rights groups criticize President Kais Saied for stifling voices, while he says freedoms are guaranteed.