Tunisian opposition leader Rached Ghannouchi, 84, has begun a hunger strike in prison, joining two other prominent politicians protesting what they call “unjust imprisonment”.
Ghannouchi, head of the Ennahda party and a fierce critic of President Kais Saied, was sentenced to 37 years in prison on charges including illicit foreign financing and conspiracy against the state.
His health is a concern, with lawyers and family saying he is at risk due to his age and deteriorating conditions.
The hunger strike is the latest escalation in a standoff between Saied and the opposition, with many leaders jailed and parties accusing Saied of authoritarian rule.
Saied denies these claims, saying his actions are necessary to save Tunisia from chaos.
The situation has sparked international concern, with human rights groups condemning the prosecutions as targeting political opponents.
