A protester in front of police officers standing guard during anti-government protests against price hikes in Tunis, Tunisia, 9 January 2018. (AFP)

In an Arabic RSF report, titled "Press in Tunisia: The Moment of Truth," the reality of press is "witnessing a turning point in its history." RSF said that the situation sets off an alarm, noting that there is a risk of watering down the gains of the revolution: freedom of the press.

Reporters Without Borders (RSF) called on Tunisian President Kais Saied to preserve freedom of the press and expression - a domestic asset that the country gained after the 2011 uprising.

After Saied's decision on the 25th of July, 2021, to freeze parliamentary work, assume authority, and dismiss the prime minister, there was an "increase in violations against the press."

The organization added that "the scenes of violence observed during the January 14 demonstrations - scenes that have not occurred since President [Zine El Abidine] Ben Ali left power in 2011, only confirm fears regarding the head of state's approach to freedom of press."

RSF referred to what is described as the "violent repression that targeted about 20 journalists who were covering demonstrations" last Friday: "We are deeply concerned about this authoritarian twist, which has a direct impact on the Tunisian press," said HRW Secretary-General Christophe Deloire.

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