We, the undersigned organisations, call for the immediate and unconditional release of (Sheikh) Rached Ghannouchi and all political prisoners in Tunisia.
On 25 July 2021, Tunisia’s democratically elected government was removed in a coup that suspended constitutional rule, dissolved elected institutions and concentrated power in the hands of President Kais Saied. Since then, the space for pluralism, peaceful dissent and independent media has been systematically eroded. Security operations, judicial actions and prosecutions have targeted political opponents, civic leaders andjournalists.
The life sentence plus 30 years imposed on 2 June 2026 on (Sheikh) Rached Ghannouchi (84) – an elected parliamentary leader and founder of the Ennahdha Party, a major political movement – exemplifies the politicisation of the judiciary and the broader repression of democratic rights in Tunisia.
We affirm that:
- The detention and sentencing of political opponents for their political activity violate Tunisia’s constitutional commitments and international human rights obligations, including the rights to freedom of expression, association and fair trial.
- The use of criminal proceedings to silence political opposition undermines the rule of law and any genuine pathway to national reconciliation, stability and democratic renewal in Tunisia.
- The release of (Sheikh) Rached Ghannouchi and all political prisoners is essential to restore political pluralism, rebuild public trust in institutions and reopen channels for peaceful, democratic contestation in Tunisia.
We therefore demand:
- The immediate and unconditional release of (Sheikh) Rached Ghannouchi and all Tunisians detained for their political views or activities.
- The end to politically motivated prosecutions in Tunisia and the guarantee of independent, impartial judicial review consistent with international standards.
- The restoration of democratic norms, including the re-establishment of an inclusivenpolitical process and the protection of civil liberties in Tunisia.
We call on:
- Tunisian authorities to take immediate steps toward releasing political prisoners and to commit to genuine political dialogue.
1• Regional and international actors, including the South African government, to press for respect for human rights, to support impartial monitoring and to condition cooperation on a clear roadmap toward democratic restoration in Tunisia.
- Civil society, human rights networks and political organisations to join this campaign by endorsing this statement and co-ordinating advocacy for the release of political prisoners in Tunisia.
Supported and endorsed by the following South African organisations on 7 June 2026:
- Amnesty International South Africa
- Ahmed Kathrada Foundation (AKF)
- Afro-Middle East Centre (AMEC)
- Ahlus Sunnah Media Network
- Association of Muslim Accountants and Lawyers (AMAL)
- Auwal Socio-Economic Research Institute (ASRI)
- Call of Islam
- Cape Town Islamic Educational Centre
- Cape Town Ulama Board
- Centre for Islamic Research – Africa (CIRA)
- Inqilab Collective
- Islamic Forum (Durban)
- Islamic Medical Association of South Africa (IMASA)
- Islamicity (NPC)
- Media Review Network (MRN)
- Muslim Judicial Council (MJC)
- Muslim Students’ Association Union (MSA Union representing 32 campuses)
- Muslim Youth Movement of South Africa (MYM)
- Palestine Information Network (PIN)
- Palestine Solidarity Alliance (PSA)
- Social Intifada
- South African Muslim Network (SAMNET)
- United Ulama Council of South Africa (UUCSA)
- Women’s Cultural Group (Durban)