Tunisian opposition leader began a hunger strike

By Edwin F -

Tunisian opposition leader Rached Ghannouchi, formerly the speaker of the nation's parliament, has initiated a three-day hunger strike while incarcerated. Ghannouchi, a prominent figure in Tunisia's opposition movement and a vocal critic of President Kais Saied, commenced the hunger strike on Friday, September 29, 2023. The purpose of this protest is to challenge his detention and express his dissent towards the government's severe actions against political adversaries.

Rached Ghannouchi

As per a statement issued by the Ennahdha party, Ghannouchi has embarked on this hunger strike "to advocate for the release of all political prisoners and condemn the arbitrary measures imposed by the authorities on the opposition." The statement further urges the Tunisian government to uphold the principles of the rule of law and human rights, and to release all individuals detained for political reasons. 


Ghannouchi's hunger strike coincides with a period of political turmoil in Tunisia, characterized by protests and unrest since President Saied suspended parliament and assumed executive authority in July 2023.

The decision made by President Saied to suspend parliament and assume executive powers in July 2023 has faced significant criticism from opposition parties and civil society groups. They have accused Saied of orchestrating a coup and undermining Tunisia's delicate democracy. In response, the government has taken a strong stance against political opponents, resulting in the arrest of numerous lawmakers, activists, and journalists. This crackdown has been met with condemnation from human rights organizations and Western governments, who have called for the Tunisian authorities to uphold human rights and the rule of law.


Opposition groups and civil society organizations in Tunisia have been engaging in a series of protests and acts of civil disobedience to express their dissent. The recent hunger strike initiated by opposition leader Rached Ghannouchi, who is currently in prison, serves as the latest form of protest. Ghannouchi's hunger strike aims to protest his detention and voice his opposition to the government's crackdown on political opponents.


This hunger strike is expected to intensify the pressure on the Tunisian government to release political prisoners and reinstate democratic principles in the country. It is evident that Tunisia has been grappling with political turmoil since President Saied's actions in July 2023. The hunger strike by Ghannouchi is likely to further amplify the demand for the release of political prisoners and the restoration of democratic norms in Tunisia.





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