Tunisian media outlets have been tied down by censorship and restriction since the country was granted independence from the French in 1956. But finally, in 2011, journalists and writers as well as the citizens have a reason to celebrate as censorship barriers continue to be broken in a rejuvenated Tunisia.
When former President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali took office in 1987, free speech became non existant (but not extinct). All forms of literature required approval from the Ministry of the Interior before legally being distributed. Radio, television, and internet were also regulated by the government. Certain newspapers from France and other countries were banned if they didn't satisfy the regime of Ben Ali.
But with the overthrow of President Ben Ali, steps are being taken towards a free speaking Tunisia. Current Prime Minister Mohammed Ghannouchi has since abolished the Ministry of Information and has guaranteed freedom of the press. People no longer need to hide in fear of arrest for posting their thoughts on Facebook and Twitter. The new acting government has removed filters from many social websites including YouTube and Facebook. Tunisian blogger Slim Amamou was detained on behalf of Zine El Abidine Ben Ali for circulating information throughout the internet despite Tunisia's internet censorship program. Amamou has not only been released by the reformed government, he's been hired as the interim Minister for Youth and Sport and assists other cabinet members in understanding social media networks such as Facebook and Twitter. Another man, journalist Fahem Boukadous, was jailed and sentenced to four years in prison after writing about protests in the mining region of Tunisia a year prior. He was freed on January 21st.
So much has changed and change will continue for the people of Tunisia. Both domestic and imported books that were initially banned are now being sold in book stores. Literature is now being written and distributed without fear of government interference. Newspapers that were initally outlets for propaganda can now operate as they see fit. Citizens may use the internet as they please and ideas are freely being shared throughout Tunisia. This change is sure to be beneficial to the economy in Tunisia. The people are happy, and they should be.