CPJ is honored to present its 2025 International Press Freedom Award to Tunisian journalist Sonia Dahmani.
Sonia Dahmani, a lawyer, writer, and prominent media commentator known for her bold defense of human rights and civil liberties, is serving a nearly five-year sentence on multiple anti-state charges, after condemning racism in Tunisia. Her arrest in 2024 drew widespread international attention. She has become a symbol of the shrinking space for dissent in Tunisia, once a beacon of media freedom.
Dahmani rose to fame for her sharp and outspoken commentary on radio and television, where she addressed issues such as Tunisia’s political climate, the erosion of judicial independence, shrinking civil liberties, prison conditions, and migration policy.
Her fearless media presence made her a powerful voice for accountability but also placed her at risk as authorities stepped up repression.
Dahmani has been convicted in three out of five separate legal cases for her political commentary on television and radio. Two of her outstanding cases carry a possible penalty of a 20-year sentence, one of which is scheduled for a hearing on September 30 under cybercrime Decree-Law 54, Tunisia’s latest tool to crackdown on dissent. In prison, Dahmani is being subjected to harsh and degrading conditions, lack of access to proper medical care, and restricted communication with her family and legal team. CPJ is advocating for her release.