Tunisian and international rights groups called for an investigation into deaths in Tunisian prisons after the Tunisian League for Human Rights documented 23 deaths among prisoners during the summer, based on information provided by doctors, lawyers and families. The cases coincided with severe heatwaves in the country, with temperatures approaching 50°C in some areas.
High temperatures worsen detention risks
Trifi also said a Lebanese businessman had died in a Tunisian prison, while a Lebanese judicial source said the deceased man’s father had notified Lebanese authorities of the death a week earlier. Tunisia’s Health Ministry said no death could be linked to the heat without forensic confirmation. On 22 August, the prison administration rejected allegations of negligence and inadequate care, according to local media.
Anti-torture organisation calls for independent investigation
The World Organisation Against Torture expressed concern over deteriorating detention conditions and the rising number of deaths in prisons, saying the circumstances surrounding some of them remained insufficiently clear. It called for independent, impartial and transparent investigations, measures to protect detainees’ lives, health and safety, and guarantees of access to prisons for non-governmental organisations.
Families of detainees grew increasingly concerned during the summer, particularly relatives of opponents of President Kais Saied, including political activist Ahmed Nejib Chebbi and Ennahda Movement leader Rached Ghannouchi. Haifa Chebbi, Ahmed Nejib Chebbi’s daughter, called for the detainees’ release, warning that her father and uncle could die in prison because of the detention conditions.
The deteriorating health of investigative journalist Mohamed El Yousfi also brought the concerns back to the fore. El Yousfi was detained last Friday on charges of illicit enrichment, then underwent surgery for appendicitis before being questioned again by security forces. Aram El Hani, daughter of independent journalist Ziad El Hani, said she feared her father could die in prison.
El Hani is serving a one-year prison sentence over statements he made during a press conference. Non-governmental organisations say prisons suffer from overcrowded cells, poor ventilation and sometimes limited water supplies, allegations rejected by the prison administration. Heatwaves exceeding usual summer levels added to the pressure on detention conditions.
