Protesters demand release of Tunisian leader Rached Ghannouchi

Protests have been held in front of the Tunisian Consulate in Istanbul to demand the release of Rached Ghannouchi, the leader of the Ennahda Movement and former President of the Tunisian Assembly. Demonstrators, organized by groups such as Özgür-Der, criticized the administration of President Kais Saied, describing the current political climate in Tunisia as a dictatorship.

Ghannouchi has been held in detention since 2023 on political grounds. Reports indicate that his health condition is critical and that his family and lawyers have faced difficulties in accessing information regarding his status for several days. Protesters characterized the judicial process as losing its independence and accused the government of suppressing opposition and democratic will.