Maharat Foundation

This report, Spring into Winter? Fragile achievements and exceptional challenges for Tunisian free expression defenders, outlines the status of freedom of expression and association as well as the independence of the judiciary.

IFEX-TMG is deeply concerned by the prevailing uncertainty and obstruction that have led the independent media body, INRIC, to close its doors; in addition to a smear campaign against INRIC and its President.

Diaa Abou Taam was beaten and cursed by members of the Lebanese Army Intelligence while he was on assignment shooting video for his investigations about seafront violations.

The attack followed an interview on 24 June with a Salafist sheikh who incited sectarian anger in the country.

IFEX-TMG alarmed by the recent attacks on freedom of expression, in particular against artistic expression, in the name of religion, including seizure of paintings.

Over 80 groups around the world call on the authorities to free human rights defenders, journalists, bloggers and writers, some of whom have been detained incommunicado; and request help from UN Special Envoy to Syria Kofi Annan.

Al-Jadeed reporter Ghadi Francis was beaten while covering the election of the Syrian Social Nationalist Party at Dhour Chweir.

Afif Diab was attacked in Chtoura on 2 June 2012 by four men, while the police refused to take any action.