Zied Heni was detained Friday after a critical article on the judiciary, sparking concern over press freedom in Tunisia according to officials.
The Tunisian public prosecutor ordered his arrest, lawyer Nafaa Laribi told Reuters, with no immediate charges or official statement issued.
Tunisian journalists’ union described the detention as arbitrary, warning it reflects an escalating crackdown on independent journalism nationwide reports.
Since 2021, President Kais Saied has dissolved parliament and ruled by decree, consolidating sweeping executive power across Tunisia political landscape.
In 2022, he dissolved the Supreme Judicial Council and dismissed dozens of judges, drawing opposition accusations of undermining independence institutions.
Saied denies the accusations, insisting his reforms target corruption and affirming that Tunisia’s courts remain fully independent today functioning.
Union head Zied Dabbar called Heni’s detention arbitrary, saying it aims to intimidate journalists and silence critical reporting voices.
Free speech expanded after the 2011 uprising that ousted Zine El Abidine Ben Ali, igniting hopes of Arab Spring democracy.
Critics say Saied’s centralisation of power since 2021 has eroded democratic safeguards and enabled pressure on journalists and activists alike.
Opposition leaders and dozens of politicians, journalists, activists and businessmen have been jailed over security and corruption allegations cases.
Saied says he will not be a dictator, arguing freedoms are guaranteed, but insists no one is above the law.