Tunisian Al Jazeera scandal

Tunisian Al Jazeera broadcasters have filed a complaint against an Egyptian co-worker after remarks made on his programme, Shahed ala al-Assr [A Witness to the Age]. The Tunisian journalists, who work for Qatari broadcaster Al Jazeera, condemned what they termed an “assault” on their country, after Ahmed Mansour claimed Tunisia invested in sex tourism. “Tunisia has, over 30 years of its history, been investing in sex tourism,” Mansour claimed. He also allegedly attacked Tunisian values, insulting their “masculinity” in comparison with Egypt. "Masculinity is always present in Egypt,” Mansour said. “But it is sometimes absent in Tunisia." The Egyptian journalist is also accused of attacking late Tunisian President Habib Bourguiba -- a much-loved figure in Tunisia's history, credited with leading the North African country to independence from France. The Tunisian journalists, who include newsreader Mohammed Krishan and sports commentator Issam Chawali, expressed indignation at the remarks, filing a formal complaint with the Al Jazeera network. They threatened legal action if Mansour refused to apologise and continued “attacking” Tunisia. Network management reportedly apologised to its Tunisian employees as soon as it received the complaint. Much ink has been spilt over the controversial remarks, with some journalists jumping to defend Bourguiba’s reputation.