The International Federation of Journalists today protested to the Tunisian government over the banning of the Federation?s web site. In recent weeks, following the World Summit on the Information Society in November when the IFJ sharply criticised restrictions on Internet use and harassment of human rights activists, the IFJ web site has been unobtainable.
"The Tunisian authorities continue to show intolerance of independent opinion and free expression," said Aidan White, IFJ General Secretary. "But they are seriously mistaken if they think this will discourage journalists from expressing their solidarity with colleagues in Tunisia."
In a letter to President Ben Ali, IFJ says that all obstacles on the use of Internet technology and access to information should be lifted, except where they are in line with international standards which may limit access to anti-social sites, covering, for instance, child pornography or incitement to violence.
"The IFJ site is an information point for journalists around the world - including many in Tunisia and other Arab countries. Reporters want information about developments in the region and want to express their solidarity with colleagues," said White, pointing out that the IFJ site is available in French, Spanish and English and also has an extensive Arabic section. All of the content is uncontroversial, he said.
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