Tunisia criticises US on Nessma trial

The Tunisian government on Tuesday criticised a statement made ??by US ambassador Gordon Gray about a judicial verdict issued on Thursday on the judicial trial of Tunisia's NessmaTV channel, where he expressed fears that the conviction "raises real concerns about tolerance and freedom of expression in new Tunisia". The Tunisian foreign ministry said the ambassador's  statement was "an interference in the affairs of Tunisia" asserting that "the Tunisian government has received with shocking surprise Gray’s statement, who said that the government had caused him great disappointment." The Tunisian statement said: "The Tunisian government is keen to abide by its executive responsibilities and non-interference in the course of justice, according to traditions and norms of international democracy. Freedom of expression in Tunisia will remain a legitimate human right guaranteed by the law in the country," calling for the necessity of establishing  relations with the US based on understanding, consultation , mutual respect , common interests and respect for the sovereignty of both countries. It stressed that Tunisia was keen to strengthen cooperation and partnership between Tunisia and the United States. The Tunisian judiciary has sentenced the director of the Tunisian channel to pay a fine of $1500 for screening an award-winning Iranian film, Persepolis, which depicted the lead protagonist conversing with an animated depiction of God. Islamists were incensed at the broadcast as they said depicting God was forbidden in Islam. The direcotr was eventually charged with "undermining morality" and "public incitement".