SNJT fires red shells into the Isi River

The National Union of Tunisian Journalists (SNJT) has condemned the revocation of the accreditation of journalist Khaoula Boukrim by the Independent High Electoral Institution (Isie). The union considers this decision to involve multiple violations and argues that the institution has no right to rule on the professionalism of the journalist in question and his respect for journalistic ethics.

In a press release dated August 21, 2024, the SNJT explicitly stated that, pursuant to its Decision No. 10 of June 9, 2014, Isie was obliged to confront the journalist and allow her to defend herself against the allegations of illegality and the principles of objectivity and impartiality. The SNJT also believed that Isie should have issued a warning before directly announcing the highest sanctions.

In addition, the union condemned and rejected Isie’s decision, calling it an emotional measure, part of a score-settling and voices critical of its work. SNJT also wanted to point out that the institution does not have the capacity to evaluate journalistic work, which must be done according to a set of criteria that require human and material resources.

Therefore, the SNJT called on Isie to revoke its decision, which it considered illegal and unreasonable. He also called on journalists to gather in front of the Isie headquarters for a demonstration on August 27, 2024. The SNJT explained that it had taken legal action to revoke the certification of Khaoula Boukrim and assured that it was ready for any form of escalation.

On the other hand, the SNJT revealed that in the last few weeks, several meetings have been held and a series of conferences have been attended with the participation of professional bodies in the media sector to identify self-regulatory mechanisms related to the media and journalism covering the electoral process in the absence of an institution playing this role.

As a reminder, Khaoula Boukrim, a journalist and editor-in-chief of Tumedia, published an email sent by the Independent High Electoral Authority on Tuesday, August 20, 2024, informing her of the withdrawal of its certification. According to Isie’s email, the journalist did not provide “Objective, balanced and neutral coverage of the election process” And there will be no Respect the election rules “, yes” His work ethic ».

Singapore