Al Mustakillah ( ar, المستقلة; or ''The Independent'') is an

Arabic language Arabic (, ' ; , ' or ) is a Semitic language spoken primarily across the Arab world.Semitic languages: an international handbook / edited by Stefan Weninger; in collaboration with Geoffrey Khan, Michael P. Streck, Janet C. E.Watson; Walter ...

television channel A television channel is a terrestrial frequency or virtual number over which a television station or television network is distributed. For example, in North America, "channel 2" refers to the terrestrial or cable band of 54 to 60 MHz, with ...

based in

London London is the capital and largest city of England and the United Kingdom, with a population of just under 9 million. It stands on the River Thames in south-east England at the head of a estuary down to the North Sea, and has been a majo ...

United Kingdom The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, commonly known as the United Kingdom (UK) or Britain, is a country in Europe, off the north-western coast of the continental mainland. It comprises England, Scotland, Wales and North ...

, aimed towards a

Tunisia ) , image_map = Tunisia location (orthographic projection).svg , map_caption = Location of Tunisia in northern Africa , image_map2 = , capital = Tunis , largest_city = capital , ...

n audience. Founded in 1999 by Mohamed Hechmi Hamdi, it remains owned by his ''Almustakillah TV Ltd.'' During the Ben Ali era, the channel and especially its show ''The Great Maghreb'' was an important forum for opposition voices, including Tunisian activist Rachid Ghannouchi, and Sihem Bensedrine, journalist and editor of Kalima online magazine, spokesperson for CNLT (National Committee for Freedoms in Tunisia) and former vice-president of LTDH (Tunisian Human Rights League). Al-Mustakillah's founder Hechmi Hamdi was alleged to be politically allied with Bin Ali, yet he often interviewed leaders of the Tunisian opposition on his satellite programs. He helped them speak their opinions on 'The Great Maghreb,' widely viewed in Tunisia. In reaction, Bin Ali's Tunisian regime called Hamdi "a traitor and a spy." The government began cracking down on political opposition, and Hamdi fled Tunisia to settle in London. Much of Al-Mustakillah's programming deals with human rights, democracy and freedom of expression. Among its most popular programs is 'Shedding a Light on the Culture of Human Rights,' hosted by Abdul Hussein Shaban, president of the Arab Human Rights Organisation, U.K.

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* Arabic-language television stations Television channels in the United Kingdom Independent television stations Television channels and stations established in 1999 1999 establishments in England {{Europe-tv-station-stub