Jailed Tunisian opposition leader Rached Ghannouchi has been urgently taken to hospital after his health suddenly worsened, his party has said, renewing calls for his immediate release.
Ghannouchi, 84, a former speaker of parliament and leader of the Ennahdha party, has been in detention since April 2023.
His supporters and international rights groups say his imprisonment is part of a politically driven effort to silence dissent.
In a statement posted on Facebook on Thursday, Ennahdha’s media office said prison authorities transferred him to hospital for treatment and close medical monitoring over the coming days.
The party did not give details about his condition but said he suffers from chronic illnesses and, given his age, requires constant care and support from his family.
“In light of this serious development, the movement renews its demand for the immediate release of Mr Rached Ghannouchi, considering his detention arbitrary,” the statement said.
Ennahdha also referred to a decision by a United Nations panel of experts last year, which found that Ghannouchi was being prosecuted for exercising his right to freedom of expression and that the charges against him lacked legal and factual grounds.
“The proper place for Mr Rached Ghannouchi is at home with his family,” the party added, citing his right to healthcare under Tunisia’s constitution and international agreements.
Join us on our WhatsApp Platform @KOIKIMEDIA NEWS YOUR PAGE
koikimedia Bringing the World 🌎 Closer to Your Doorstep