/ / TUNISIA: JOURNALIST ON TRIAL ON TERRORSIM CHARGES

TUNISIA: JOURNALIST ON TRIAL ON TERRORSIM CHARGES

UA: Second 68.26

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Prominent Tunisian journalist and political commentator Zied El Heni, who is serving a one-year prison sentence solely for exercising his right to freedom of expression, now faces trial in a separate case on terrorism-related and state-security charges. The case stems from his reporting in 2023 on leaked audio recordings by Ennahda opposition leaders.

Tunisian authorities must immediately and unconditionally release Zied El Heni, quash his existing conviction and drop all charges against him that stem solely from his legitimate journalistic activities.

PLEASE TAKE ACTION AS SOON AS POSSIBLE UNTIL: March 5, 2027

Here is how you can take action:

Send a letter to the Tunisian authorities authorities
Send an email to the Tunisian Kais Saied using our email-writing tool
Post on social media

Scroll down to Step 1 and Step 2 to access the full Urgent Action appeal and sample letter, and U.S.P.S. mailing address (if available).

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Step 1

READ THE FULL URGENT ACTION

Enter your email address and zip code to get the sample letter to send to government officials.

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You can now write a letter in your own words or download the sample below as a guide.

Remember to send your letter by March 5, 2027.

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Sample Letter

Your Excellency,

I am concerned about the continued imprisonment and new trial of journalist Zied El Heni who is currently serving a one-year prison sentence under Article 86 of the Telecommunications Code solely for exercising his right to freedom of expression.

Zied El Heni is now also standing trial in a separate case dating back to 2023 before the chamber specializing in terrorism cases at the Tunis Court of First Instance. The case concerns a leaked audio recording, attributed to journalist Chahrazad Akacha and Mondher Lounissi, then acting president of the Ennahda party.

Zied El Heni is accused of contacting Chahrazad Akacha and Mondher Lounissi about the recording and receiving documents from Akacha concerning another case in Tunisia. The investigating judge cited these exchanges in support of terrorism-related and state-security charges against him. However, Amnesty International’s review of the order found no evidence demonstrating his involvement in a terrorist organization or conduct amounting to terrorism-related offenses. Instead, the conduct described falls within legitimate journalistic work.

I urge you to ensure that Zied El Heni is immediately and unconditionally released, that his one year conviction is quashed, and that the new charges brought against him are dropped since they stem solely from his legitimate journalistic activities and exercise of his human rights.

Yours sincerely,

[YOUR NAME]

Sample Social Post

Journalist Zied El Heni is imprisoned and facing new terrorism-related charges for work linked to legitimate journalism. @TnPresidency must release him now, quash his conviction, and drop all charges tied to his peaceful exercise of freedom of expression #UrgentActionNetworkAIUSA

Send a Tweet to @TnPresidency

Step 2

Send your message

Mail your letter to the government officials listed below. You can also email, fax, call, or post about them on social media.

Send your letter to:

President of the Republic Kais Saied

Route de la Goulette

Site archéologique de Carthage, Tunisie

[email protected] @TnPresidency

and

CC: Tunisian Embassy in the United States

Send a copy of your letter to the address below

Ambassador Hanene Al-Tajouri Bessassi

1515 Massachusetts Avenue, NW,

Washington DC 20005

[email protected]

When writing your letter, don’t forget to be factual, brief, and show respect. See more letter writing tips and emails, or organize and host a letter writing party.

Other Urgent Actions for this Case

First UA Issued: [Tunisia 68.26]

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