TUNIS: A Tunisian journalist was arrested after criticizing the penal code which criminalizes insulting the head of state during a radio broadcast, his lawyer said Wednesday.
Zied El Heni was placed in police custody after being questioned on Tuesday evening about alleged "crimes through telecommunications" channels, his lawyer Dalila Msaddek told AFP.
The interrogation took place after El Heni mocked an article of Tunisia's penal code related to criticizing the head of state, currently President Kais Saied, on his morning radio show on the private station IFM.
The article in question punishes anyone guilty of insulting the head of state with up to three years in prison.
The lawyer said she was only able to speak to her client for "30 seconds" at the police station where he was questioned. She said she refused to sign the document authorizing his detention.
The SNJT journalists' union called for El Heni's release in a statement, describing his arrest as "a flagrant violation of the law".
The union called on its members to gather on Thursday at the court where the journalist is due to appear to demand his release.
In May, journalists staged a protest to denounce the Tunisian government's "repressive" policy, which they say uses the judicial system to intimidate and subjugate the media.
Around 20 journalists are being prosecuted for their work, according to the union.
Non-governmental organizations have reported a decline in press freedom in Tunisia since Saied assumed full powers in July 2021.
Tunisia journalist arrested after criticizing penal code
https://arab.news/nyzd9
Tunisia journalist arrested after criticizing penal code
- Zied El Heni mocked an article of the penal code that penalizes anyone guilty of insulting the head of state
List Magazine launches The List Awards
RIYADH: Luxury travel and lifestyle magazine List has announced the launch of The List Awards, in association with Swiss watchmaker Richard Mille.
The List Awards are a first-of-its-kind recognition celebrating excellence across travel, wellness, culture, and fine dining in Saudi Arabia and the wider Gulf region.
Winners will be officially announced in the Winter 2026 edition of the magazine and across its social and digital platforms.
The awards aim to define what world-class excellence looks and feels like in a new era of Saudi hospitality, creativity, and experience-driven living by recognizing establishments and cultural experiences shaping modern luxury in the region.
The selection process is not based on submissions, paid placements or public voting. Instead, List’s editorial team and a panel of independent judges personally experience each venue, brand or experience.
Each entry is then explored, debated, and verified against key criteria: originality, precision, consistency, and relevance to the modern Saudi traveller.
Nóirín Hegarty, List’s editor-in-chief, said: “Saudi Arabia is in the midst of an extraordinary cultural and creative transformation. The List Awards were born from a desire to recognise that energy and define what excellence truly looks like today.
“These awards are not about prestige for its own sake — they are about experience, authenticity, and intent. Every name on the list earned its place because it represents the best of the best and the future of luxury in the region and beyond.”
