Tunisian opposition demands urgent statement on Rached Ghannouchi’s health

Tunisia’s opposition National Salvation Front has called on the authorities to issue an urgent official statement clarifying the health condition of Ennahda leader Rached Ghannouchi and lawyer Ahmed Nejib Chebbi.

In an urgent statement issued on Sunday, the coalition said it was “following with deep concern” conflicting reports and rumours about the health of Ghannouchi, as well as reports regarding the health of National Salvation Front leader Ahmed Nejib Chebbi.

It warned that, in the absence of any official clarification, and with Ghannouchi’s family and legal team still being prevented from visiting him and checking on his condition, the continuing lack of transparency could only fuel rumours and increase the concerns of their families.

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The coalition said the authorities bear “full responsibility” for the uncertainty surrounding the health of some political detainees, blaming restrictions on prison visits and the lack of official, transparent communication.

It called on the authorities to allow Ghannouchi’s family and lawyers, without delay, to exercise their legal and humanitarian right to visit him and receive information about his health, while ensuring that he receives the medical care his condition requires.

The coalition added that the safety of all political detainees and prisoners is a legal and moral responsibility of the state, warning that any failure to fulfil this duty or any concealment of their health conditions would constitute a serious violation of human rights, national laws and international conventions.

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