Tunisian opposition leader Ghannouchi's family fears for his health amid communication blackout

The family of Rached Ghannouchi, a key figure in Tunisia's Ennahda Movement, has voiced grave concerns over his well-being, reporting a complete lack of contact for nearly a week. His daughter, Soumeyya Ghannouchi, shared on social media that lawyers attempting to visit him at Mornaguia Prison were informed he had been transferred to a hospital. However, family members and legal representatives have been denied access to see him or receive any information regarding his health.

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His health condition has not been communicated to the family at all.

According to Soumeyya Ghannouchi, her father collapsed during a prison visit due to extreme heat and exhaustion. The 85-year-old, who suffers from Parkinson's disease and a thyroid condition, is reportedly held in a non-air-conditioned cell, requiring specialized medical care. The family holds President Kais Saied and other authorities responsible for any negative consequences concerning Ghannouchi's health.

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The temperature in Mornaguia Prison exceeds 50 degrees Celsius, and my father, who has Parkinson's disease and a thyroid condition, is being held in a cell without air conditioning and requires special medical care.

Ghannouchi has been detained since April 2023 and is serving multiple prison sentences across various cases. While Tunisian authorities maintain that the charges, including plotting against state security, are legitimate and unrelated to politics, critics and opposition figures assert that these legal actions are part of a campaign to silence political rivals. The Ennahda Movement itself has expressed alarm over Ghannouchi's deteriorating health following his collapse in prison.

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The authorities will be responsible for any potential negative consequences that may befall my father.