Noureddine Boutar, a notable media owner and critic of Tunisian President Kais Saied, was granted release on bail by a Tunisian appeals court on Wednesday, May 23, as reported by his radio station, Mosaique FM. Boutar’s arrest occurred several months ago alongside other prominent critics of President Saied.
Boutar had been released on bail, on the conditions that he would be subject to travel restrictions, and the bail amount will be set at 1 million dinars ($320,000), according to Mosaique FM.
The detention of Noureddine Boutar took place in February, 2023 during a period marked by a series of arrests targeting opposition politicians, activists, and other prominent individuals who voiced criticism against President Saied. Many of those arrested have been accused of conspiring against state security.
In recent weeks, additional arrests have taken place, including that of Rached Ghannouchi, the opposition leader and former parliament speaker, who has now been sentenced to one year in prison.
Last week, two well-known reporters from Mosaique FM were referred to the police for investigation.
Opposition figures argue that the charges are politically motivated, asserting that President Saied orchestrated a coup by shutting down the elected parliament in 2021, undermining judicial independence, and assuming governance through decree prior to enacting a new constitution.
President Saied has denied staging a coup, claiming that his actions were necessary to save Tunisia from chaos caused by a corrupt elite. He has labeled his critics as criminals, terrorists, and traitors.
