Journalism in Tunisia still risky, says Sihem Bensedrine
The newfound freedom of media in Tunisia following the overthrow of President Ben Ali has everyone celebrating. But the “old” security guard is still active, “removing” people who do not suit their cause. This makes journalism risky business, says Sihem Bensedrine, Tunisian journalist and human rights activist
After years of repression under the now exiled President Ben Ali, journalists from independent Tunisian newspapers like Assabah have described how they are now able to ask critical questions of government officials, an unthinkable action just a few weeks ago.
– But working as a journalist in Tunisia is still risky, says Sihem Bensedrine, herself no stranger to harassment by authorities during the Ben Ali years.
– The old security guard is still active, ”removing” people and trying to shake up the peace and order and security of public life. The media in Tunisia urgently needs international protection and international presence, as well as equipment and training, says Sihem Bensedrine.
Channeling messages of democracy
As chief editor of Radio Kalima, Tunisia’s only independent radio station, Sihem Bensedrine is no stranger to the censorship and restrictions of the former regime.
Radio Kalima which is supported by International Media Support, broadcasts debate programmes to the general Tunisian public from a location outside Tunisia after its offices in Tunisia were raided and closed by authorities in January 2009, accused of using illegal frequencies. Through its popular debate programme, the radio station remains an important source of information to many Tunisians.
According to Sihem Bensedrine, the recent protests carried out by unemployed graduates and young people frustrated with their lack of freedoms and the excesses of the ruling class, took place without any backing or interference from the international community.
This, she explains, is the reason the revolution enjoys massive support from the general population, especially from young people. Also, the way in which the message of reform and democracy spread throughout the population happened primarily via new and alternative media, by some media even reported as the “Twitter revolution of Tunisia”.
Sihem Bensedrine, a renowned journalist and human rights activist has lived in exile for long periods at a time, but is now back in Tunisia. She declined invitations to join the new government and Instead joined a new national council. According to the Tunisian newspaper ‘Sunrise’, three members of the Constituent Assembly of 1955 met with interim President Fouad Mebazaa and informed him that they had formed a National Council of the Revolution consisting of all parties, political movements and human rights activists in Tunisia. The newspaper added that the founders propose to “form a government of national salvation” which is to suspend the old constitution and present a new constitution to the people.
Read more about Sihem Bensedrine and IMS’ work in Tunisia here. More aboutmonitoring of media during elections in Tunisia here.
