Tunisia’s Ennahda says its leader Rached Ghannouchi hospitalized after health deteriorates in prison

On April 30, 2026, the Ennahda movement announced that its leader, Rached Ghannouchi, had suffered a severe health decline while in prison, necessitating his transfer to a hospital for urgent medical care. Ghannouchi, who is 84 years old, has faced multiple legal challenges and has been sentenced to lengthy prison terms in various cases, which his supporters claim are politically motivated. The movement's statement emphasized the urgency of his situation, calling for his immediate release and highlighting the arbitrary nature of his detention. They argue that the charges against him lack any legal foundation and are merely an attempt to silence dissent against the current government led by President Kais Saied. In March 2026, the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention had already declared Ghannouchi's detention arbitrary, urging for his release. The Ennahda movement has consistently maintained that the legal actions against Ghannouchi and other opposition figures are part of a broader crackdown on political dissent in Tunisia. The situation has drawn international attention, with human rights organizations expressing concern over the treatment of political prisoners in the country. Ghannouchi's legal troubles began in April 2023 when he was arrested following a raid on his home. He was accused of inciting chaos and disobedience, charges that his supporters vehemently deny. The recent developments in his health have raised alarms among his supporters and human rights advocates, who fear for his well-being in prison. They argue that the conditions of his detention are harsh and detrimental to his health, especially given his age and the multiple health issues he has faced in recent years. As the political climate in Tunisia continues to evolve, the Ennahda movement remains steadfast in its calls for justice and the restoration of democratic norms. The party has vowed to continue advocating for Ghannouchi's release and the rights of all political prisoners, asserting that their struggle is not just for one leader but for the future of democracy in Tunisia. The international community is closely monitoring the situation, with calls for the Tunisian government to respect human rights and uphold the rule of law.