Tunisian Journalist Ben Brik Sentenced to 6 Months in Prison
Taoufik Ben Brik, one of Tunisian President Ben Ali's most prominent critics, is paying a heavy price for his dissent and courage to confront the de facto dictatorship that rules his country.
Ben Brik (above) was arrested and accused of trumped up charges —including assaulting a woman in public— in October. But from the beginning of this cruel charade, he has insisted the government framed him in retribution for his criticism of the regime.
Amnesty International has condemned the sentencing and considers him a prisoner of conscience. Also many international press freedom organizations, including WPFC, have denounced this blatant case of judicial harassment.
The BBC:
And to add insult to injury, Ben Brik, 49, suffers from poor health, including diabetes and other hormonal conditions, and needs urgent medical treatment.
As the old dictator's rule says, keep your friends close and your enemies in prison.
Ben Brik (above) was arrested and accused of trumped up charges —including assaulting a woman in public— in October. But from the beginning of this cruel charade, he has insisted the government framed him in retribution for his criticism of the regime.
Amnesty International has condemned the sentencing and considers him a prisoner of conscience. Also many international press freedom organizations, including WPFC, have denounced this blatant case of judicial harassment.
The BBC:
As well as criticism from rights groups and media organisations, the French government also expressed concern over his arrest.
French Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner urged his release so he could receive treatment.
But according to Reuters news agency, Mr Ben Ali responded in a speech earlier this month by attacking "foreign interference" in Tunisia's internal affairs.
"This is a very disappointing outcome", said Malcolm Smart, Middle East and North Director at Amnesty International.
"Taoufik Ben Brik should not have been prosecuted, let alone convicted and sentenced to a prison term.
"Taoufik Ben Brik has been convicted on politically-motivated charges for exercising his right to freedom of expression."
French Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner urged his release so he could receive treatment.
But according to Reuters news agency, Mr Ben Ali responded in a speech earlier this month by attacking "foreign interference" in Tunisia's internal affairs.
"This is a very disappointing outcome", said Malcolm Smart, Middle East and North Director at Amnesty International.
"Taoufik Ben Brik should not have been prosecuted, let alone convicted and sentenced to a prison term.
"Taoufik Ben Brik has been convicted on politically-motivated charges for exercising his right to freedom of expression."
And to add insult to injury, Ben Brik, 49, suffers from poor health, including diabetes and other hormonal conditions, and needs urgent medical treatment.
As the old dictator's rule says, keep your friends close and your enemies in prison.
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