# Tunisian political detention and protests > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/tunisian-political-detention-and-protests > Updated: 2026-08-18T20:43:03.000Z. Sources: 9. Developments: 3. Protests have been held in Istanbul by groups such as Özgür-Der to demand the release of Rached Ghannouchi, leader of the Ennahda Movement and former President of the Tunisian Assembly. Demonstrators criticized President Kais Saied's administration, characterizing the political climate in Tunisia as a dictatorship. Following reports of critical health conditions and restricted access for family and legal counsel, Ghannouchi's defense committee stated that the 85-year-old began a hunger strike and refused medication on August 6. This action was taken to protest his total isolation since being hospitalized in late July. While prison authorities have denied allegations of medical neglect or visit bans, legal teams have indicated that negotiations may be underway regarding the release of Ghannouchi and other detained political figures, such as Ahmed Nejib Chebbi, in exchange for political concessions. On August 9, Ghannouchi ended his hunger and medication strike. His legal team reported that the prison administration informed them the strike was terminated following requests from the medical team at the hospital where he was being treated. Ghannouchi faces charges including conspiring against state security and involvement with a secret party apparatus, which supporters maintain are politically motivated. By mid-August, Ghannouchi was transferred back to Mornagiye Prison following a three-week hospital stay. His defense team described his period of isolation as “physical and psychological torture” that violates international prisoner protections. Additionally, the Ennahda Movement has raised alarms regarding the health of Deputy Secretary-General Munzir el-Venisi, reporting that he lost his ability to speak on July 11 and is in critical condition due to a “policy of medical neglect.” As of August 18, Ghannouchi remains in Mornaguia Civil Prison. His legal team reports his health is currently stable, though he has experienced weakness. ## Claims - Rached Ghannouchi was returned to Mornaguia Civil Prison on Monday evening after being hospitalized since July 29. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Rached Ghannouchi's health is stable following his hospital release. (single source) - Ghannouchi was kept in total isolation and denied visits from family and lawyers during his hospitalization. (single source) - Ahmed Nejib Chebbi remains in high spirits despite facing health difficulties in prison. (single source) ## Timeline ### 2026-08-18: Tunisian opposition leaders face health issues in prison Tunisian opposition figures Rached Ghannouchi and Ahmed Nejib Chebbi are facing health issues in prison. Ghannouchi has returned to Mornaguia prison after hospitalization, while Chebbi remains in high spirits. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ennahda-movement-leaders-face-health-crises-in-tunisian-detention ### 2026-08-09: Rached Ghannouchi ends hunger strike amid reports of potential release deal Tunisian Ennahda leader Rached Ghannouchi has ended a hunger strike following health concerns. Reports suggest potential negotiations for his release in exchange for political concessions. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/rached-ghannouchi-reportedly-begins-hunger-strike-in-tunisia ### 2026-08-07: Protesters demand release of Tunisian leader Rached Ghannouchi Protesters in Istanbul demanded the release of Tunisian political leader Rached Ghannouchi, criticizing President Kais Saied's administration for suppressing democratic opposition. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/protesters-demand-release-of-tunisian-leader-rached-ghannouchi --- Cite as: Tunisian political detention and protests. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/tunisian-political-detention-and-protests