Latest posts by Afef Abrougui from February, 2012
Tunisia: Police Use Tear Gas and Batons to Disperse Labor Union Protest
Police used tear gas and batons to disperse protesters showing support to the Tunisian General Union for Labour (known by its French acronym UGTT), in the capital Tunis, yesterday (February 25).
Tunisia: Court Quashes Verdict Ordering the Filtering of Pornography
Today, the Cassation Court of Tunis (highest court of appeal) threw out a verdict to censor pornography on the Internet. On May, 26, 2011, a court of first instance issued a ruling ordering the Tunisian Internet Agency (ATI), to filter X rated websites. At the time, the decision was criticised by by bloggers, and free speech advocates, who believed that such step could limit freedom of speech, and thus pave the way for the return of censorship. Today's decision received a more favourable response online.
Tunisia: Visit of an Egyptian Islamist Preacher Causes Uproar
Wajdi Ghonim, an Egyptian Islamist preacher has recently visited Tunisia, where he gave a series of religious lectures. His visit has been the centre of a heated debate on citizen media and angered many in Tunisia, because of his support for female genital mutilation.
Tunisia: Reports About a Court to Decide on “Interim” President's Title Refuted
The office of the ¨Presidency in Tunisia denied rumors initiated by a local newspaper claiming that on February 13, a court in the capital will issue a verdict about the use of the term “interim” by the state media when referring to the current President Moncef Marzouki and his government.
Tunisia: Decision to Expel Syrian Ambassador Sparks Heated Debate
On February 1, Tunisia, the birthplace of the so-called Arab Spring, has started procedures to expel the Syrian Ambassador in Tunis, and to withdraw recognition of the Syrian regime. Netizens react to the decision.