[EN] Reuters - Tunisia denies U.N. charges on media freedom

[Meryem Marzouki <marzouki@ras.eu.org>]

Tunisia denies U.N. charges on media freedom

Reuters, le 17.10.2005 à 18h53

TUNIS, Oct 17 (Reuters) - Tunisia, which hosts a summit on information 
and the Internet next month, on Monday rejected as "unfounded 
allegations" a U.N. rights envoy's statement that it jails reporters 
and stifles press freedom.

U.N. special rapporteur on the rights of opinion Ambeyi Ligabo said 
last week the World Summit on the Information Society Tunis is 
scheduled to host Nov. 16-18 could herald a "new era" for freedom of 
expression around the globe.

"I urge the government of Tunisia to release unconditionally all press 
and opinion-related prisoners and to allow the full exercise of the 
right of expression," he said in a statement.

The government in Tunis dismissed his remarks as based on "unfounded 
allegations emanating from some parties known for their bias and lack 
of objectivity" -- a reference to opposition and rights groups.

"No person can be imprisoned in Tunisia because of his opinion and 
journalistic activities. Freedom of expression is a fact of life in the 
country," the government statement said.

Ligabo, a former Kenyan appointed to the independent rapporteur post in 
2002, said from the start he had received reports of violations of 
freedom of opinion and expression in Tunisia.

"Recent cases would include the banning of a journalists' union 
congress, the conviction to prison terms of a lawyer for publishing 
controversial articles and smear campaigns against human rights 
activists," Ligabo said.

Tunisia has repeatedly denied criticism by rights groups at home and 
abroad that the government tolerates no dissent and allows no freedom 
for local independent reporters.

The International Telecommunications Union, a U.N. agency, is 
organising the Tunis Internet meeting.

REUTERS