The imprisoned deputy leader of the opposition Ennahda movement in Tunisia was hospitalized after an 18-day hunger strike to protest his imprisonment. Noureddine el-Bhiri, a former justice minister, was reportedly moved to the intensive care unit as his health deteriorated. His adviser, Riyadh Chouaibi, accused Tunisian authorities of delaying his lawsuit claiming torture during his arrest in February 2023.
Bhiri’s demand for the right to litigation highlights the ongoing political unrest in Tunisia, where numerous arrests have been made since February 2023. Tunisian President Kais Saied has accused those detained of “plotting against state security,” a claim denied by the Ennahda group. The country has been facing a deep political crisis since 2021, following Saied’s dismissal of the government and dissolution of parliament.
Despite the escalating tensions, Tunisian authorities have not responded to the recent reports regarding Bhiri’s hospitalization. The situation underscores the fragile state of affairs in Tunisia, where political, legal, and human rights issues continue to be a cause for concern.