This archive report was first published on 26 July 2021.
On July 26, 2021, Tunisian police closed the office of Qatari broadcaster Al Jazeera television in the capital city of Tunis, amidst a backdrop of political turmoil in the North African country.
According to Al Jazeera's bureau chief in Tunis, Lotfi Hajji, around 15 policemen, some in uniform and others in civilian clothes, entered the office and asked the staff to leave. The law enforcement officers gave no reason for their actions but confiscated the keys to the premises and forced all staff to vacate the premises.
The closure of the office came a day after President Kais Saied ousted the prime minister and suspended parliament, following a day of street protests against the government's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic.
When questioned by AFP, the police told Al Jazeera staff that they were 'following orders.' Lotfi Hajji expressed concern over the development, stating that it was a threat to freedom of the press and could potentially target other media outlets in the future.
AFP contacted the interior minister for further details but received no immediate explanations for the closure of the outlet's office.
