Jailed Ennahda leader’s health reportedly deteriorates
Tunisia’s jailed opposition figure Rached Ghannouchi is in critical condition after suffering severe exhaustion and fainting, according to his lawyers.
The 85-year-old leader of the Ennahda party has been imprisoned since 2023 after being charged in several cases, including allegations of plotting against the state. He has received combined prison sentences of more than 40 years.
Lawyers raise concerns over treatment
Ghannouchi’s legal team said they were deeply concerned about his worsening health and criticised authorities for refusing access to his family and lawyers.
The lawyers said the restrictions violated his rights as a prisoner and called for immediate attention to his medical condition.
Authorities have not publicly responded to the latest claims.
Former parliament speaker remains key opposition figure
Ghannouchi played a major role in Tunisian politics for years and served as speaker of parliament before President Kais Saied dissolved the legislature during his 2021 power grab.
His Ennahda movement was one of the most influential political forces after the 2011 uprising that removed longtime leader Zine El Abidine Ben Ali.
Tunisia was widely viewed as the only Arab Spring country to establish a democratic system after the protests, but rights groups have since warned of growing restrictions on political freedoms under Saied’s leadership.
Concerns over Tunisia’s political direction
International and local organisations have accused the government of weakening democratic institutions and limiting opposition voices.
Ghannouchi’s imprisonment has become one of the most high-profile cases involving Tunisia’s opposition, with supporters describing it as politically motivated while authorities maintain that legal proceedings are justified.
