Tunisia: Journalist launches hunger strike in protest over constant harassment
The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) has expressed its grave concern regarding Tunisian journalist Slim Boukhdhir's announcement that he was commencing a hunger strike. Boukhdhir, formerly a journalist with the publications "Akhbar El Joumhouria" and "Essarih", has over several months been restricted to making ends meet by freelance writing and obtaining random contracts with various press organisations. He was previously a correspondent with Alarabya.net and has currently been working at the daily "Al Shouroukh", after a brief stint with the weekly "Al Hadeth" that was cut short.
IFEX - News from the international freedom of expression community
_________________________________________________________________
ALERT - TUNISIA
6 April 2006
Journalist launches hunger strike in protest over constant harassment
SOURCE: International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), Brussels
(IFJ/IFEX) - The following is an abridged version of a 5 April 2006 IFJ
media release:
IFJ expresses grave concern as journalist faces constant harassment
Brussels, 5 April 2006
The IFJ has expressed its grave concern regarding Tunisian journalist Slim
Boukhdhir's announcement that he was commencing a hunger strike.
Boukhdhir, formerly a journalist with the publications "Akhbar El
Joumhouria" and "Essarih", has over several months been restricted to making
ends meet by freelance writing and obtaining random contracts with various
press organisations. He was previously a correspondent with Alarabya.net and
has currently been working at the daily "Al Shouroukh", after a brief stint
with the weekly "Al Hadeth" that was cut short.
"I have been progressively sidelined by my daily newspaper; none of my
articles have been published since November 2005; my salary has been frozen
since February 2006 but they have refused to inform me officially of my
dismissal," indicated Boukhdir. "My passport was confiscated and they have
refused to grant me a press pass."
Mr. Boukhdir has asked that his rights to freedom of expression and
association, and to work, be respected.
IFJ is appealing to the Tunisian authorities to satisfy these fundamental
claims and to permit Boukhdir to return to his profession. IFJ is asking the
authorities to cease the continual harassment of journalists and to respect
international conventions, particularly those relating to freedom of the
press.
The IFJ represents more than 500,000 journalists in more than 110 countries.
For further information, contact the IFJ, International Press Center,
Residence Palace 155, Rue de la Loi - Bloc C, B-1040 Brussels, Belgium, tel:
+322 235 2200 or +322 235 2206/7, fax: +322 235 2219, e-mail:
[email protected], Internet: http://www.ifj.org/
The information contained in this alert is the sole responsibility of IFJ.
In citing this material for broadcast or publication, please credit IFJ.
_________________________________________________________________
DISTRIBUTED BY THE INTERNATIONAL FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION
EXCHANGE (IFEX) CLEARING HOUSE
555 Richmond St. West, # 1101, PO Box 407
Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5V 3B1
tel: +1 416 515 9622 fax: +1 416 515 7879
alerts e-mail: [email protected] general e-mail: [email protected]
Internet site: http://www.ifex.org/
_________________________________________________________________