Rached Ghannouchi ends hunger strike amid reports of potential release deal

Rached Ghannouchi, the 85-year-old leader of Tunisia’s Islamist Ennahda movement, has ended a hunger and medication strike. His legal team reported that the prison administration informed them the strike, which began on August 6, was terminated following requests from the medical team at the hospital where he was being treated.

Ghannouchi had initiated the protest to denounce his total isolation and the denial of access to his family and lawyers since his hospitalization on July 29. He faces various charges, including conspiring against state security and involvement with a secret party apparatus, which he and his supporters maintain are politically motivated.

Amidst his health concerns, reports have emerged regarding potential political negotiations. There are suggestions that a deal could be reached for the release of Ghannouchi and other political figures, such as Ahmed Nejib Chebbi, in exchange for political concessions. While Ennahda has sought international pressure for his release on humanitarian grounds, the movement has not officially commented on the possibility of a deal involving political conditions.