Tunisia - Nabil Zaghdoud
Najiba Al Hamrouni said that Tunisian journalists
Head of the National Syndicate of Tunisian Journalists (SNJT) Najiba Al Hamrouni said that Tunisian journalists denounce and reject the government\'s \"despotic\" attempt at controlling the media.
The Tunisian government plans to elect a media regulatory body that would not include professional journalists.
In a statement to Arabstoday, Al-Hamrouni said that “the SNJT is fighting for the freedom of expression and press freedom
“All media professionals are keen on establishing a free and transparent media regulatory body that would corresponds to the goals of the revolution. The media establishment needs to be reformed and has to be based on journalists\' right and their political independence.\"
She added: \"Tunisian journalist want free speech and freedom of press with no constitutional limits. A plan to elect a political media watchdog is a dangerous step.\"
The government met three times with the syndicate and other unions in order to discuss the creation of a public body responsible for the organisation, regulation and development of the information industry.
They accused the Tunisian government of disregarding the proposal presented on their part.