ديجيتال فابلت

الوسم: Tunisia

  • 13 Missing After Tunisia Migrant Boat Disaster Amid Rising Crackdown

    13 Missing After Tunisia Migrant Boat Disaster Amid Rising Crackdown

    A Tunisian Coast Guard officer assists a migrant child onto a rescue boat in Jbeniana, Safx, Tunisia, on April 23, 2022, captured in a still from a handout video. — Reuters

    – Two individuals were saved, with one in serious condition, authorities reported.
    – The boat departed early Thursday, according to a migrant rights organization leader.
    – One survivor said they were stranded at sea for hours after their vessel capsized.

    At least 13 Tunisians are missing following a migrant boat sinking off the coast of Tunisia while heading toward Italy, with two people rescued, according to the head of a migration advocacy group on Saturday.

    Mostafa Abdelkebir, leader of the Tunisian Observatory for Human Rights, informed Reuters that the boat left early Thursday.

    One of the survivors told local rescuers that they had been stranded at sea for hours after their boat capsized. The other survivor was listed in critical condition, Abdelkebir noted. His group monitors migration issues.

    Tunisia once served as a major departure point for people crossing the Mediterranean, but departures have sharply declined over the last two years due to intensified crackdowns and stricter maritime controls supported by European funding and advanced border surveillance, especially from Italy.

    Last month, Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International, and numerous other human rights and humanitarian organizations issued a statement condemning the EU-Tunisia migration agreement, claiming it has encouraged and normalized severe abuses against migrants and asylum seekers in Tunisia.

    These groups urged the European Union to halt funding related to migration and border enforcement involving Tunisian security forces.

    Tunisia has not responded to the statement but has repeatedly stated that it is handling the impact of a significant migration surge. In 2023, President Kais Saied claimed that the influx was directed at altering the country’s demographic composition.

    The central Mediterranean route remains one of the world’s deadliest migration paths, used by migrants from Africa and the Middle East trying to reach Europe, often on overcrowded or unseaworthy boats.

  • Mohammed Assaf Faces Criticism Over Carthage Festival Performance

    Mohammed Assaf Faces Criticism Over Carthage Festival Performance

    A Palestinian artist, Mohammed Assaf, faced widespread criticism for his decision to take part in Tunisia’s renowned International Festival of Carthage. Scheduled to perform on the evening of July 27 with a theme titled “For Gaza,” the concert aims to combine musical expression with humanitarian messages and show support for the Palestinian people.

    While the event’s organizers highlight its aim to promote solidarity and humanitarian values, Assaf’s involvement drew ire from many of his supporters. One significant point of contention is that the festival is sponsored by numerous companies, including Carrefour Tunisia, which is currently the target of a boycott campaign by pro-Palestinian activists over its perceived ties to Israel.

    Further criticism stemmed from the ongoing dire situation in Gaza, where daily life is severely impacted by a blockade that restricts essential supplies, including humanitarian aid, contributing to widespread starvation. Critics questioned the appropriateness of performing in a setting associated with corporate sponsors linked to controversial enterprises and accused Assaf of insensitivity toward the suffering of Gazans.

    Many fans voiced their disapproval in the comments section, calling out the perceived irony of singing and performing while the residents of Gaza endure hardship and starvation. Some commented, “What a shame,” “Are you going to perform while they are starving?” and “How can this concert benefit Gaza? Please explain.”

    An Instagram post shared by Hashem Aloroud from Amman FM reflected this sentiment, with viewers expressing their disappointment and outrage, asserting that such performances amid Gaza’s hardships are disrespectful. Critics also emphasized that Carrefour, a French multinational involved in activities linked to Israeli settlements through its partnership with Electra Consumer Products and Yenot Bitan, further complicates the moral implications of participation.

    The International Festival of Carthage has been an annual highlight in Tunisia since 1964, attracting artists from around the world for a celebration of music and culture held during July and August in the coastal city of Carthage.

  • Hend Sabri Mourns the Passing of Her Mother

    Hend Sabri Mourns the Passing of Her Mother

    Digital Phablet – The Tunisian entertainment industry is mourning the loss of Dalenda Klai, the mother of renowned actress Hend Sabri, who passed away recently.

    Producer Iman Youssef, the widow of the late composer Sameh El Agamy, shared the sad news on her official Facebook account, stating: “To God we belong and to Him we shall return. My deepest condolences to Hend Sabri on the loss of her mother.”

    According to reports from Tunisian media outlets, the funeral is set to occur tomorrow, Friday, in Tunisia.

    The father of actress Hend Sabri confirmed the details of the funeral procession, saying: “To God we belong and to Him we shall return… May God grant mercy to the deceased and provide patience and solace to her family.” (Fuchsia)

     

    Digital Phablet – The Tunisian entertainment industry is mourning the loss of Dalenda Klai, the mother of renowned actress Hend Sabri, who passed away recently.

    Producer Iman Youssef, the widow of the late composer Sameh El Agamy, shared the sad news on her official Facebook account, stating: “To God we belong and to Him we shall return. My deepest condolences to Hend Sabri on the loss of her mother.”

    According to reports from Tunisian media outlets, the funeral is set to occur tomorrow, Friday, in Tunisia.

    The father of actress Hend Sabri confirmed the details of the funeral procession, saying: “To God we belong and to Him we shall return… May God grant mercy to the deceased and provide patience and solace to her family.” (Fuchsia)