The National Union of Tunisian Journalists (SNJT) called for the release of journalist Zied El Héni after the Public Prosecutor decided on Tuesday to remand him in custody. El Héni was questioned by the unit against ICT communication crimes at the National Guard in El Aouina. The union said in a statement Wednesday the journalist’s interrogation follows the interpretations and comments made on Radio IFM. He is accused of committing an offence against the President of the Republic, in accordance with Article 67 of the Penal Code,’ the same source said. The SNJT called on all journalists and civil society activists to hold a rally in solidarity with Zied El Héni, adding that his lawyers did not attend the interrogation, claiming that he did not ask for a lawyer to be present. This is a clear violation of the provisions of Law No. 2016-5 on the right to the presence of a lawyer during detention, the SNJT said. The union said that El Héni’s health was deteriorating, indicating a possible illness. His lawyer stressed the need for him to undergo a medical examination. The SNJT expressed its full solidarity with the journalist and condemned what it described as a “flagrant violation” of Law No. 2016-5 of 16 February 2016 amending and supplementing certain provisions of the Code of Criminal Procedure, which in particular guarantees the right to be assisted by a lawyer during questioning.
Source: Agence Tunis Afrique Presse