Intersection Association for Rights and Freedoms has been monitoring the current situation of political detainees in what is known in the media as the “conspiracy case,” who were supposed to be mandatorily released after the pre-trial detention period ended. Consequently, they are now held in arbitrary detention and without any right, which constitutes a flagrant violation of their rights, especially the right to a fair trial. As a result, politician Jawher Ben Mbarek announced 7 days ago that he had begun a brutal hunger strike, which led to the deterioration of his health condition, according to the statement of his sister, Attorney Dalila Msaddek Mubarak, in which she expressed that her brother went through pain during the weekend, as well as the lack of medical care provided to him.
In addition, the rest of the political detainees in the same case announced their entry into a brutal hunger strike. This comes as a protest movement about the injustice they have been subjected to since February 2023 and about their uncertainty regarding the fundamental aspects of the fate of this case, which has become hostage to the political decision and the whims of power.
Therefore, Intersection Association for Rights and Freedoms views hunger strikes as a means of protest and pressure used by individuals or groups to express their demands and highlight particular issues. The hunger strike is also considered a form of peaceful protest.
Intersection Association emphasizes respecting any decision to embark on a hunger strike without any condemnation or support. It demands the relevant authorities respect the rights of the detainees on hunger strike and holds them responsible for their physical and mental well-being. The association is keen on ensuring the detainees receive proper care and treatment according to their situation and urges all international and national organizations authorized to visit prisons and other detention facilities to visit political prisoners on hunger strikes, monitor their health condition, and provide them with the necessary support.
Intersection Association for Rights and Freedoms reaffirms its solidarity with political detainees and their families regarding the violations of their fundamental rights as Tunisian citizens. It also renews its demand for the immediate and unconditional release of all political prisoners of conscience detained in the conspiracy case and put an end to their arbitrary detention.