Jailed Tunisian opposition figure hospitalised amid hunger strike: Family
Summary
Jawhar Ben Mbarek, a Tunisian opposition leader, has been hospitalized due to severe dehydration after a prolonged hunger strike. His strike began on October 29, 2023, to protest his detention since February, and he has been facing health issues while refusing nutritional supplements. Allegations of torture by prison guards have surfaced, and human rights groups criticize the political environment in Tunisia.Key Facts
- Jawhar Ben Mbarek is cofounder of Tunisia’s National Salvation Front.
- He started a hunger strike on October 29, 2023, protesting his detention.
- Ben Mbarek was hospitalized for severe dehydration and a dangerous toxin affecting his kidneys.
- He refused nutritional supplements while hospitalized and returned to prison.
- His lawyer claims he was beaten by prison guards to end his hunger strike.
- In April, Ben Mbarek was sentenced to 18 years for "conspiracy against state security" and "belonging to a terrorist group."
- Opposition members joining his hunger strike include Issam Chebbi and Rached Ghannouchi.
- Human rights groups criticize President Kais Saied’s power grab and Tunisia’s political climate.
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