National Radio CEO assaults journalist and harasses staff

The National Union of Tunisian Journalists (SNJT) said that Radio Tunisia CEO Henda Ben Alaya verbally attacked Marwa Ben Messaoud, a journalist working at the institution, during a shareholder meeting. The attack was linked to a visit to the institution by the President of the Republic, Kais Saied, on August 1, 2024.

In a press release dated August 7, 2024, SNJT confirmed that Marwa Ben Messaoud mentioned what she called poor working conditions to Kaïs Saïed during his visit, which upset CEO Henda Ben Alaya. At a shareholder meeting, the head of the agency accused the journalist of damaging the image of the state radio station. The CEO deliberately violated the journalist’s personal dignity by threatening to fire her and making unacceptable remarks to her. », added the union.

The SNJT also revealed that an administrative disciplinary procedure formally accusing him of damaging the institution in the form of a questionnaire had been launched on August 5, 2024. Marwa Ben Messaoud was also accused of not covering the visit of the President of the Republic, while the journalist was on the scene making a video clip. The journalist was brought to the Disciplinary Committee. The union called it an act of retaliation.

SNJT also stated that the CEO of the National Radio retired two journalists without legal reasons and in violation of the laws and procedures applicable to the institution. The statement again claimed that this was an act of retaliation based on personal conflicts. The same source mentioned harassment of employees and journalists. The management of the National Radio forced employees not to take positions on elections and other discordant political issues. They did not have the right to express their opinions on the subject within the institution, in the news and on social networks.

The SNJT believes that the National Radio is experiencing a tense atmosphere due to acts of harassment, administrative sanctions, extortion, arbitrary decisions and nepotism. The press release suggests that the general management of the radio station has chosen to suppress free voices calling for institutional reform and development. The SNJT expresses its rejection and opposition to the repressive practices of the National Radio CEO and his capitulation to the establishment to serve its own interests. The union also confirms that it will take the necessary legal measures against him.

Singapore