Rached Ghannouchi, the long-time leader of Ennahda movement in Tunisia, has been transferred to a hospital after what his party describes as a serious deterioration in his health while in detention.
The 84-year-old politician reportedly required urgent medical attention and is now under observation. His movement says his detention is arbitrary and is calling for his immediate release.
Ennahda argues that international experts, including a United Nations working group, have previously said his detention is not justified and is linked to his political speech and opinions rather than criminal activity.
Rached Ghannouchi was arrested in April 2023 after security forces raided his home. Since then, he has received multiple prison sentences in different cases, including accusations related to “inciting chaos,” “foreign funding,” and other politically sensitive charges. In 2026, he was sentenced to 20 years in prison in a case involving several Ennahda leaders.
His supporters say the trials are politically motivated and aimed at silencing opposition figures under the administration of President Kais Saied. The government, however, maintains that the judiciary is independent and that all cases are based on legal grounds.
Rights groups and opposition voices continue to express concern, saying the situation reflects a broader crackdown on dissent in Tunisia.
For now, Ghannouchi remains under medical care while legal and political tensions around his case continue.
Source: AA
