Rached Ghannouchi, Tunisia's 84-year-old jailed opposition leader and former parliament speaker, was urgently transferred to hospital after a sharp decline in his health, Ennahdha said. The party renewed calls for his immediate release, citing chronic illnesses and a UN experts' finding that his prosecution is tied to free expression. Ghannouchi has been detained since April 2023 and faces multiple sentences, including a one-year term for incitement, a three-year sentence in February 2024 and a 22-year sentence in February 2025. Human rights groups have condemned the broader campaign of arrests under President Kais Saied, who defends his actions as necessary to fight corruption and instability.
Tunisia’s Jailed Opposition Leader Rached Ghannouchi Rushed to Hospital as Ennahdha Demands Immediate Release
Ennahdha party leader Rached Ghannouchi gestures after a Tunisian judge postponed a hearing against him in Tunis, Tunisia, September 21, 2022 [Jihed Abidellaoui/Reuters]
Jailed Tunisian opposition leader Rached Ghannouchi has been urgently transferred from prison to a hospital after a sudden deterioration in his health, his party Ennahdha said on Thursday. The 84-year-old former speaker of parliament was moved for treatment and continuous medical observation, and the party renewed calls for his immediate release.
Ennahdha’s media and communications office said it had not disclosed detailed medical information but stressed that Ghannouchi suffers from chronic illnesses that require ongoing family care and special attention due to his advanced age. "In light of this dangerous development, the movement renews its demand for the immediate release of Mr Rached Ghannouchi, considering him arbitrarily detained," the statement said.
Charges, Sentences and International Concerns
Ghannouchi has been detained since April 2023 amid what his supporters and international rights organisations describe as a politically motivated campaign to silence dissent. A United Nations committee of experts concluded last year that his prosecution appears to be linked to his exercise of freedom of opinion and expression, and that the charges lack a sound legal or factual basis.
Chronology of major proceedings against Ghannouchi:
- April 2023: Arrested on incitement charges and handed a one-year prison sentence.
- February 2024: Sentenced to three years by a court specialising in financial corruption over allegations that his party received foreign contributions—claims Ennahdha denies.
- February 2025: Given a 22-year prison sentence on charges that included plotting against state security.
Wider Crackdown and Responses
Ghannouchi's hospitalisation is the latest episode in a broader crackdown on the political opposition under President Kais Saied. Saied suspended Tunisia's parliament in 2021 and later advanced a 2022 referendum that significantly expanded presidential powers; critics called the moves a coup. Since then, authorities have detained numerous opposition figures, journalists, lawyers and activists.
Human rights groups have condemned the wave of arrests. Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International have repeatedly criticised Tunisia's use of detention in political cases. In a 2025 report, HRW said the government had turned arbitrary detention into a central feature of repressive policy.
Ennahdha and other critics say Ghannouchi should be allowed to receive appropriate care at home. The party invoked his constitutional right to healthcare and international treaties ratified by Tunisia. Saied, for his part, rejects accusations of authoritarianism and says his measures are necessary to fight corruption, restore stability and hold those he describes as "terrorists" to account.
It remains unclear how long Ghannouchi will remain hospitalised and whether his condition will affect pending legal procedures. Observers say his treatment and the government's response will be closely watched by international rights groups and foreign governments concerned about Tunisia's political trajectory.
Help us improve.
