Tunisian Opposition Figures Start Hunger Strike for Jailed Politician

Prominent members of Tunisia’s political opposition have announced a collective hunger strike in solidarity with jailed politician Jawhar Ben Mbarek, whose health is reportedly deteriorating after nine days without food. Ben Mbarek, cofounder of the National Salvation Front, initiated the strike to protest his detention since February 2023. His father and leaders from major opposition parties, including Rached Ghannouchi, also joined the protest, condemning President Kais Saied’s regime. Rights groups have raised concerns about the decline of civil liberties in Tunisia, highlighting the political motivations behind Ben Mbarek’s charges and the broader climate of unrest.

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