Tunisia extends state of national emergency- detains prominent journalist

Tunisia began 2024 with a further extension of its state of national emergency until January 31st. It comes after an almost perpetual cycle of renewal of this law that observers see as detrimental to the country's democracy. Furthermore on Monday prominent journalist Zeid El-Heni was arrested just days after he criticised the trade minister, his lawyer Ayachi Hammami said. According to Reuters El-Heni will have his first court hearing on Jan. 10 on the charge of "defaming others on social media," his lawyer told reporters.