Shock: police arrest lawyer live on television in Tunisia

A Tunisian lawyer was arrested during a live television broadcast in connection with comments she made earlier.

The incident shocked the country as the government has previously been criticized for glorifying freedom of expression in the country.

Lawyer arrested live on television

Lawyer Sonia Dahmani made comments critical of President Kais Saied earlier this week.

A video circulating on the Internet shows masked men in civilian clothes entering the bar headquarters during a live broadcast with France24.

Two journalists were arrested after the transmission was obstructed by unknown persons who also tried to turn off the cameras.

France condemned the act as a bizarre attack on freedom of expression and journalism, the AP news agency reported.

Authorities have not said why they arrested the journalist, but experts believe the motive is to silence those who criticize the government.