CyberDissident.org’s Board Member Arrested on Questionable Charges

August 7, 2012

Tunisian blogger Sofiane Chourabi, Cyberdissidents.org’s Blogger Board member, was arrested on August 5,on what some consider trumped-up charges. The award-winning blogger rose to prominence for his criticism of the regime of former President Zine al Abidine Ben Ali, and has continued to attract media attention for his commentary about the political party Ennahda, which holds power in the post-revolutionary government.

Police and government spokesmen have alleged that Sofiane was arrested for consuming alcohol on a public beach during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. Online activists, however, have suggested that Sofiane was targeted for his political activities, which remain critical of the current regime.
 
Online activists were quick to point out that Sofiane’s arrest may have been politically motivated:
 
“What a coincidence. Sofiane got arrested ‘while sleeping on the beach after drinking alcohol’ right after he called for today’s protest.”

 

 
Some, while supportive of Sofiane’s past work, defended his recent arrest:
 
“If Sofiane has struggled for his country, that does not give him a free pass to violate the laws. Laws are not made to fit people's satisfaction.”
 
 
 
Still others condemned him outright:

“Hours before his arrest, Sofiane posted a picture of on his Facebook of himself with a can of beer at the beach. He was proud that he was not observing Ramadan, just like the infidels.” 

 

 
Sofiane revealed on his Facebook status that he was beaten during his detention, and looks forward to sharing his experience with supporters in the coming days.