Tunisia launches first religious radio station

Tunisia's first religious radio station started broadcasting on the first day of Ramadan, an attempt by the government to give a platform to moderate Muslims and to keep Islamists at bay. Zine El Abidine Ben Ali announced the launching of the first radio with a religious vocation in Tunisia.

This baptized radio “Ezzeitouna” (Olive Tree) –an eponym of a prestigious mosque and a religious institution in the old Medina of Tunis--, will emit during 24 hours the tape FM and will cover 80% of the national territory.

The launching of this third private radio in Tunisia, where Islam is the religion of State, emanates in particular from the concern of the government to encourage the enlightened spirits and diffuse the authentic values of Islam, notably tolerance, mutual aid and moderation.