The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) says a campaign, seemingly orchestrated by the government, to destabilise Tunisia's union of journalists is fresh evidence of political intolerance and ruthless hostility to defenders of press freedom and human rights.

A union report criticising the country's press freedom record has sparked widespread attacks on union leaders by pro-government supporters within media who the IFJ accuses of undermining professional solidarity.  

"The leaders of the union of journalists have shown courage in their defence of press freedom," said Aidan White, IFJ General Secretary. "It's time for all journalists to stand together to support them and reject this intolerance of free and open debate in Tunisia. Journalists must defend their profession against political interference."

The Syndicat National des Journalists Tunisiens (SNJT), an IFJ affiliate, says that, following its report issued on 4 May which was critical of press freedom in Tunisia, attempts have been made by pro-government circles in the media to rebut the report by issuing a new report which downplays violations of press freedom.

According to the SNJT, a petition under the direct patronage of the Tunisian Ministry of Information has been launched calling for the removal of the SNJT leadership and for new elections. Three members of the Bureau have resigned in order to trigger the elections. The SNJT further reports that journalists are being threatened with dismissal if they fail to sign the petition.

The IFJ supports the right of the SNJT to report independently and welcomes the efforts of union leaders to improve the conditions of journalists.

"This latest attack on the courage and integrity of our colleagues in the defence of press freedom must be resisted," added White. "The price for giving in to political pressure in Tunisia would be devastating and long lasting for the press."

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

The IFJ represents over 600,000 journalists in 123 countries worldwide