Tunisia: Journalist Ziad El Heni Faces Terrorism Charges Over Journalistic Work

Imprisoned Tunisian journalist Ziad El Heni is scheduled to appear before a specialized counter-terrorism judicial chamber in Tunis on 25 September 2026 to face four terrorism-related charges stemming directly from his professional work, according to his family. If convicted, he faces a potential life sentence.

The case dates to 2023, when El Heni investigated a leaked audio recording and contacted involved parties to cross-check details prior to publication. Initially questioned as a witness, authorities subsequently reclassified him as a suspect. His defense maintains that his conduct was strictly limited to journalistic verification and his refusal to disclose confidential sources.

Transforming routine newsgathering into terrorism charges represents a severe abuse of anti-terrorism legislation. Protecting source confidentiality remains a foundational pillar of press freedom, while weaponizing legal frameworks against investigative reporting creates a pervasive chilling effect across independent media.

El Heni is currently serving a one-year prison sentence over a social media post and faces additional legal proceedings. He is one of four journalists currently detained in Tunisia, alongside Mohamed Yousfi, Mourad Zghidi, and Borhen Bsaies.

His prosecution comes amid escalating pressure on independent media, characterized by the enforcement of Decree-Law No. 54, Article 86 of the Telecommunications Code, and anti-terrorism statutes to silence critical voices. Human rights organizations continue to warn against broad, vaguely defined offenses that impose draconian restrictions on freedom of expression.

Urgent action is required to halt these systematic violations. Tunisian authorities must immediately and unconditionally release Ziad El Heni, drop all charges and sentences linked to his journalism, and respect source confidentiality and fair trial guarantees. Furthermore, authorities must release all journalists detained for their professional activity and cease weaponizing counter-terrorism laws to criminalize independent reporting.