Ghassen Aounallah a rapper, and Nassim Nekili a photographer, are two young Tunisians who were recently arrested, shortly after issuing a warrant for their imprisonment by the public prosecution’s office. And that’s on publishing a rap song on YouTube, where Ghassen was seen discussing the plight of his friends and neighbors who are behind bars, criticizing the harsh conditions and everyday struggles of young people in Tunisia, including the oppressive security measures they’re facing and calling for their freedom.
This resulted in him being accused of several charges, including the use of communication networks for spreading false information and rumors with the intent of threatening public safety and national security and to create fear among citizens. These charges have been heavily used by authorities to silence and suppress young people, thus violating their right to freedom of speech, a right guaranteed by the Tunisian constitution and safeguarded by international and regional conventions.
Intersection association for Rights and Freedoms condemns such arrests that are preying on young individuals based on their opinions and urges Tunisian authorities to immediately release Ghassen Aounallah and Nassim Nekili and all those imprisoned for their opinions . The association also urges the Tunisian government to cease pursuing and prosecuting young people due to their opinions.