Tunisian journalists protested on Thursday near government offices, demanding an end to restrictions on reporters and the release of jailed colleagues, and vowing that the widening crackdown will not silence them.

The protests confirmed growing fears of unprecedented threats to free speech since Kais Saied seized power in 2021.

Hundreds of reporters waved press cards, chanting “Journalism is not a crime” and “Freedom for Tunisian media”.

Free speech had flourished following the 2011 uprising that toppled autocrat Zine El Abidine Ben Ali and sparked the “Arab Spring”, and President Saied has denied targeting press freedom.

Critics, however, say his 2021 power grab and subsequent decrees have dismantled democratic safeguards and allowed authorities to pursue journalists for committing offences which are not clear-cut.

The Tunisian Journalists’ Syndicate (SNJT) said the escalating pressure was aimed at silencing strong free voices and subjugating the media.

The journalists’ syndicate says public media, including state TV and radio, have turned into a mouthpiece for Saied’s regime.

At least five journalists are in prison, while others face judicial investigations over social media posts or critical reporting.