It is tough being a journalist in Chad. Reporters are often arrested because of what they write. Three journalists were subjected to prolonged pre-trial detention in 2013 but nowadays journalists are usually released quickly after arrest and remain free while awaiting trial. Nonetheless, some have reported being mistreated and beaten while held. A visiting Radio France Internationale reporter who went to cover the start of former President Hissène Habré’s trial was forcibly expelled in June 2015. Despite laws protecting media freedom, any criticism of the regime or its allies is immediately punished.