Tunisia Accused of Blocking Family Access to Jailed Opposition Leader After Prison Collapse

Overview

• Family members say Rached Ghannouchi fainted inside Mornaguia Prison and was taken to hospital but they have had no contact or official information since the incident.
• An eyewitness and relatives allege the collapse was caused by extreme heat in the prison and that temperatures exceeded 50 degrees Celsius during visits.
• Lawyers and Ghannouchi’s relatives say they were refused entry to the hospital and denied access to his medical file and treatment details.
• The family says Ghannouchi, who has Parkinson’s disease and a thyroid disorder, needs specialised care and holds President Kais Saied and Justice Minister Leila Jaffel responsible for any harm.
• Ghannouchi’s detention since April 2023 and heavy sentences are cited by critics as part of a wider crackdown on opponents after Saied’s 2021 power consolidation, and rights groups have called for transparency and protection of prisoners.