Tunisia’s SNJT reporters’ union has denounced the detention of a journalist who had criticized the interior ministry on social media site, calling it a “backwards step” for freedom of expression.

Chahrazed Akacha, editor-in-chief of a news website, turned into detained on suspicion of “harming different people’s peace via public telecommunication networks”, the union said overdue Thursday.

The officials had been acting on an order Thursday from the public prosecutor in Ariana, beside  Tunis, it said in a statement.

The proceedings were launched after Akacha, a critic of President Kais Saied’s July 2021 power grab, hit out at the ministry on her Facebook page.

Two days before her detention, Akacha had accused Interior Minister Taoufik Charfeddine of “setting the dogs loose” to attack her following her remarks.

Her detention was a new sign of “a real backwards step in press freedom and freedom of expression in Tunisia”, the SNJT said.

Akacha told local television on April 12 she had already been questioned once for undermining the dignity of the interior minister, the head of state and national security.

The judiciary “continues to consider journalists who express their ideas… As risky elements for society”, the union stated, calling for Akacha’s immediate launch.

In past due March, the SNJT had accused government of the use of state apparatuses to “silence and intimidate” journalists after a correspondent became detained for refusing to expose his resources.