Tunisian civil society leaders and opposition political figures have united in the current hunger strike. They want to illustrate their support to Jawhar Ben Mbarek, a major figure of the movement, sentenced to 18 years in prison for “conspiracy against state security” and “belonging to a terrorist group.” Ben Mbarek was tried and convicted in one of the mass trials which has generated widespread condemnation by human rights groups including Amnesty International. They smear the trial as politically motivated.
Jawhar Ben Mbarek, co-founder of the National Salvation Front, began his hunger strike on October 29. He is appealing his administrative detention, which has been in effect since February 2023. His health has recently taken a shocking turn for the worse, with nine days without food possibly proving disastrous as family and supporters worry for his life. His father, Ezzeddine Hazgui, has publicly stated that Ben Mbarek is in a “worrisome condition,” necessitating precise and constant medical monitoring.
As news of Ben Mbarek’s condition spread, leaders from Tunisia’s major opposition parties, including Issam Chebbi and Wissam Sghaier, announced their own hunger strikes in solidarity. They are calling to increase international awareness of the alarming level of political and social tension in Tunisia. This cause of tension has been exacerbated by the deepening political crisis caused by President Kais Saied’s undemocratic moves to dissolve parliament and deepen executive power.
In 2022, a severe “fake news” law was passed. This restrictive law was then leveraged to intimidate and silence critics of President Saied, creating the conditions for today’s crisis. Thousands of other men, including prominent media figures and lawyers have been prosecuted and imprisoned under this law. Tunisian civil society human rights groups, particularly the Tunisian League for Human Rights, are deeply committed to addressing and solving these injustices. The path between those two points goes through substantial hardships.
Ben Mbarek’s plight sheds light on the continued fights for political dissent in Tunisia. His father, Ezzeddine Hazgui, is equally committed to starting a hunger strike. Now more than ever, he wants to demonstrate his unconditional support for his son as they all weather this dangerous storm together.
“I am committed to maintain it until the injustice inflicted upon him is lifted.” – Jawhar Ben Mbarek
The Arab Organisation for Human Rights in the UK has highlighted that Ben Mbarek’s case goes beyond individual complaints. They added that it represents a broader crisis of the rule of law and accountability in Tunisia.
“Ultimately, the case of Jawhar Ben Mbarek exposes a deeper crisis concerning respect for the rule of law and the principle of accountability.” – The Arab Organisation for Human Rights in the UK
Issam Chebbi, who was convicted along with Ben Mbarek during the same mass trial earlier this year. These ongoing protests indicate a clear and resolute appetite for political change among opposition members and civil society. They do so because they believe that the government’s current actions are diluting democratic ideals.
As the hunger strike goes on, Ben Mbarek stays in grave situation at the civil jail of Belli. His supporters are calling on international human rights organizations to intervene. They’re asking these organizations to urge the Tunisian government to drop the charges against him.
