French Prime Minister urged to discuss harassment of independent media during Tunis visit

Reporters Without Borders has written to French Prime Minister François Fillon about the inability of the independent news media to operate freely in Tunisia because they are constantly hounded by the authorities. Fillon begins a two-day official visit to Tunis today. “Police harassment designed to muzzle criticism of the government is standard practice,” Reporters Without Borders said in its letter. “Intimidation and other repressive practices against journalists, and those who defend them, are increasing in the run-up to next October’s elections.” Reporters Without Borders hopes that Fillon will raise this situation with the Tunisian authorities and request an end to the police harassment. The press freedom organisation has given him a copy of its recent report “Tunisia, the courage to inform the public.” It was issued after a fact-finding visit to Tunisia last October during which the organisation met independent journalists.