The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) today called for Tunisian courts to set aside the conviction of Tunisian journalist Fahem Boukaddous, who they say is the victim of a miscarriage of justice which led to a four year jail term for his reporting of protests in Gafsa two years ago:

Speaking ahead of an appeal hearing on Tuesday 23 March Aidan White, IFJ General secretary said: "Fahem's conviction was a gross injustice which this hearing should put right. He has no case to answer as charges against him have never been substantiated."

Fahem Boukaddous, correspondent for the satellite channel ‘Tunisian Dialogue' was sentenced on 13 January after the court found him guilty of "forming a criminal association liable to attack persons". These accusations followed his reports on the demonstrations against unemployment and corruption in the mining town of Gafsa in 2008.

The IFJ condemned the ruling and accused the Tunisian authorities of waging a campaign of vilification and intimidation targeting independent journalists, including such means as arbitrary arrests and sham trials. The Federation pointed out that all Fahem's co-accused who actually had taken part in the Gafsa protests were released by presidential pardon.

"This trial has nothing to do with bringing to book law-breakers," added White. "It is all about the regime's blatant abuse of the justice system to suppress independent and critical reporting. The Appeal Court needs to restore credibility to the system by releasing our colleague."

For more information contact the IFJ at   +32 2 235 2207   

The IFJ represents over 600,000 journalists in 125 countries worldwide