"So that all is not lost
Who hears us?
Who will give us justice?
O God! Who hears us? What is his fault?
Who for the country? Who for dignity and life?
Mohamed Boughaleb, a journalist with Cap FM radio, is currently languishing in prison in deplorable and unjust conditions that are seriously jeopardizing his health and life.
Mohamed Boughaleb's health has deteriorated dramatically:
- right eye: vision reduced to 1/10.
- left eye: severely affected by a diabetic infection. A laser session was prescribed by a doctor after a late consultation.
- Prostate: unbearable pain prevents him from even sitting down normally.
- Right leg: paralysed by constant pain.
This physical suffering is compounded by degrading and inhumane treatment in detention, aggravating his chronic illnesses: diabetes, hypertension, heart and vascular problems, progressive loss of vision, skin infections and recurrent ear infections.
Mohamed Boughaleb is not receiving adequate care and his state of health requires hospitalization and dignified human treatment.
Mohamed Boughaleb was sentenced to a prison term following a complaint lodged by the Minister of Religious Affairs, who accused him of "imputing to a public official facts that are not accurate" under article 24 of decree-law 54-2022. In case no. 10924, on April 17, 2024, the Tunis Court of First Instance sentenced him to six months' imprisonment. On June 28, 2024, the Tunis Court of Appeal increased this sentence to eight months' imprisonment. Arrested on March 21, 2024, Mohamed served this sentence until November 22, 2024. However, a second case (n°58566) was opened against him on the basis of an arrest warrant issued on April 5, 2024, while he was already in custody. This warrant was issued without any summons or hearing. Since then, this case has been awaiting a hearing date before the Cour de cassation (since August 7, 2024).
The ordeal of journalist Mohamed Boughaleb clearly exposes the reality behind Kaïs Saïed's presidential speech, revealing the cynical instrumentalization of the so-called fight against corruption. In this selective crusade, it is not the real corrupt who are targeted, but whistle-blowers and critical voices who dare to denounce abuses and defend the truth.
Jamal Eddine Boughaleb's cry of distress is that of a family shattered by injustice, oblivion and inaction. It is also that of a man fighting for his survival, confronted with outrageous conditions of detention and unfounded accusations.
The Committee for the Respect of Freedoms and Human Rights in Tunisia (CRLDHT) calls on all consciences to take action to :
- Preserve the health and life of Mohamed Boughaleb, whose condition requires urgent medical attention and immediate release.
- Justice for a man victimized by a repressive law and an arbitrary justice system.
- Protect freedom of expression and fundamental human rights, threatened by such practices.
Mohamed Boughaleb has only done his duty as a journalist: to inform, enlighten and question. His detention is a blatant injustice, a denial of freedom of expression and a threat to human rights in Tunisia.
Don't let it disappear into silence!
Who will hear him? Who will stand by his side?
Paris, January 27, 2025
