Tunisia’s Ennahdha says leader Ghannouchi hospitalized after sharp health decline

Tunisia’s Islamist Ennahdha movement said on Thursday that the health of its leader, Rached Ghannouchi, has deteriorated sharply, and that he was urgently transferred to hospital for treatment.

The party said Ghannouchi, who has been in prison since 2023, suffered a sudden and serious decline in his condition.

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In a statement, Ennahdha said prison authorities were forced to move Ghannouchi, who suffers from chronic illnesses to hospital on an urgent basis for treatment and to remain under medical supervision for several days.

“In light of this serious development, the movement renews its call for the immediate release of Professor Rached Ghannouchi, considering that he is being held arbitrarily,” the statement added.

There was no immediate comment from authorities on Ghannouchi’s health.

The 84-year-old faces multiple charges, including conspiring against state security, as well as allegations of terrorism and money laundering. He has been in custody since April 2023, after being arrested at his home.

Sentences totaling up to 70 years

Ghannouchi has received sentences that amount to around 70 years in prison. He had boycotted remote court hearings, arguing they do not meet fair trial standards.

Opposition groups say the arrest of Ghannouchi, and dozens of politicians and activists opposed to President Kais Saied is not backed by legal evidence and is driven by political motives.

Authorities, however, maintain that the judiciary is independent and that the cases are a matter of law, not politics.

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