Summary:

On 7 June 2023, a group of Muslim scholars called for the release from prison of former Parliament Speaker and Ennahdha leader Rached Ghannouchi following his sentencing to one year in prison on terrorism related charges.

The International Union of Muslim Scholars (IUMS) called on the Tunisian government to release Ghannouchi on the basis of respecting individual and collective rights, which were described by IUMS as a cornerstone of Islamic Sharia law. The IUMS called for Muslim scholars to mobilize against what was described as injustice against Ghannouchi and expressed “absolute solidarity” with the imprisoned politician.

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Meanwhile, detained Ennahdha leader Sahbi Atig’s health is reportedly deteriorating as he continues a hunger strike in opposition to his detention. Atig’s wife reported that his health has worsened based on her observation of his condition while visiting him in prison. Atig has maintained his innocence.

Ennahdha leader Mohamed al-Qoumani announced his resignation from the party this week citing “stagnation,” which he connected to the postponement of the group’s 11^th congress planned for this year. In a Facebook post marking the 42^nd anniversary of the party’s founding, Ennahdha indicated that the recent crackdown on political figures and the disruption of the party’s activities would prevent the congress from being held as planned.

Outlook:  

Pressure on Ennahdha has grown in recent months, culminating in the arrest and sentencing of Rached Ghannouchi. Tunisia’s political opposition had initially expressed outrage at the string of arrests and the closure of Ennahdha’s party offices, but support for the party has yet to result in large-scale demonstrations or protests.

While Ennahdha maintains many supporters among the Tunisian populace, general skepticism of political parties and politics generally has grown in recent years. President Kais Saied continues to operate with a broadly supported mandate to upend the Tunisian political system that was viewed as corrupt and the source of the country’s struggles.

While vocal opposition members and international voices continue to speak out regarding Ghannouchi and Ennahdha generally, there appears to be little momentum currently to insist upon a change of direction from Carthage.

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