Tunisian commentator Sonia Dahmani released after detention

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published last week |  JP Middle East Desk

Sonia Dahmani, Tunisian commentator and IPFA honoree, was released after 18 months in detention. Her release raises questions on press freedom and pending trials under cybercrime law.

Summary

NEW YORK  — The Committee to Protect Journalists welcomed the release of Tunisian commentator and lawyer Sonia Dahmani on Thursday, nearly 18 months after her detention following comments made during a television appearance. Authorities have yet to clarify the conditions of her release or her ability to work freely.

Dahmani, this year’s International Press Freedom Award honoree, has become a symbol of the challenges facing independent media in Tunisia. She was arrested in May 2024 after authorities accused her of “spreading false information,” part of a pattern of legal actions targeting critical journalists.

Authorities face scrutiny over press freedom concerns

Her release coincided with a European Parliament resolution expressing concern over Tunisia’s deteriorating press climate, urging authorities to free Dahmani and other detained journalists. Despite returning home, key details remain unclear. Ramla Dahmani, Sonia’s sister, told CPJ that Sonia was informed of her release only minutes before it occurred and without explanation. “Sonia is home, at least,” she said.

Several media outlets reported that her release was conditional, though Dahmani’s lawyer, Sami Ben Ghazi, described it as “unconditional.” He noted that the charges were not dropped and that Dahmani still faces three trials, including one scheduled for Friday morning.

Release comes amid EU pressure and unresolved trials

Dahmani has two other pending cases that could carry combined sentences of up to 20 years under Tunisia’s cybercrime law. Ben Ghazi added that no restrictions on travel or work were mentioned in her release.

“While we welcome the release of Sonia Dahmani, Tunisian authorities must go further and immediately drop all remaining charges,” said CPJ Deputy Advocacy Director EU Tom Gibson. “Authorities should end judicial harassment that undermines press freedom and violates fundamental rights, and uphold Tunisia’s international commitments to protect journalists.”

CPJ continues to monitor press freedom developments in Tunisia and urges authorities to remove all restrictions affecting independent reporting.

KEY POINTS:

• Sonia Dahmani released after 18 months of detention in Tunisia
• Arrested for allegedly spreading false information during a TV appearance
• European Parliament called for the release of Dahmani and other journalists
• Dahmani still faces three pending trials under Tunisia’s cybercrime law
• Release reported as unconditional, though authorities have not disclosed details
• CPJ urges Tunisian authorities to drop all remaining charges and respect press freedom

ATTRIBUTION: Story compiled from statements by the Committee to Protect Journalists and public reports on the release of Sonia Dahmani.

PHOTO: Sonia Dahmani (Screenshot: France24/YouTube)