Tunisian opposition figures join hunger strike to support jailed politician
Summary
Several opposition figures in Tunisia have announced they are starting a hunger strike to support Jawhar Ben Mbarek, a jailed politician whose health is said to be worsening. Ben Mbarek started his hunger strike to protest his detention since February 2023. Human rights groups are concerned about declining freedoms in Tunisia under President Kais Saied.Key Facts
- Jawhar Ben Mbarek is a Tunisian opposition politician currently imprisoned.
- Ben Mbarek began a hunger strike to protest his detention, which started in February 2023.
- Prominent opposition members, including leaders from Al Joumhouri and Ennahdha parties, have joined the hunger strike.
- Tunisian President Kais Saied has been criticized for expanding his powers since he dissolved parliament in July 2021.
- Human rights groups claim the trial against Ben Mbarek and others is politically motivated.
- Ben Mbarek was sentenced to 18 years for "conspiracy against state security" and "belonging to a terrorist group."
- Prison authorities in Tunisia have denied that hunger-striking prisoners' health has deteriorated.
- The Arab Organisation for Human Rights in the UK has raised concerns about the prison's compliance with prisoner health care regulations.
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