Prisoners in Tunisia and Morocco launch hunger strikes

Multiple political prisoners in North Africa are conducting hunger strikes to protest detention conditions and demand specific rights.

In Tunisia, Sahbi Atig, a leader of the Ennahdha party, began a hunger strike last Tuesday. His wife, Zeineb Mraihi, stated that the 67-year-old is demanding a special visiting room that allows direct contact without barriers. Atig, who is serving a total sentence of 23 years, has indicated he will refuse hospital treatment if his health declines.

In Morocco, nine Sahraoui detainees associated with the Gdeim Izik group have been on hunger strike since September 23. They are calling for the implementation of United Nations decisions regarding their cases and protesting against alleged violence, isolation, and insufficient medical care. Among the strikers is human rights defender Naâma Asfari, who was reportedly forcibly transferred to a prison in Marrakech. The Sahrawi Instance Against Moroccan Occupation has called for urgent international intervention to protect the detainees.