Tunisian opposition figure Moussi begins hunger strike in prison

By Moses Muli

Published on:29/11/2023 6:56 PM(EAT)

TUNIS, Nov 29 (Reuters) – Abir Moussi, a prominent opponent of Tunisian President Kais Saied, went on a hunger strike in prison on Tuesday to protest what her lawyers said was a violation of her rights to freedom and political activity.

A judge last month ordered Moussi’s imprisonment after police arrested her at the presidential palace entrance on suspicion of assault intended to cause chaos, part of a crackdown on opposition politicians.

Moussi is the leader of the Free Constitutional Party (PDL), which warned in a statement against “attempts to fabricate legal obstacles to remove her from participating in the presidential elections” expected next year.

Her lawyers said in a statement that Moussi would be on hunger strike for 16 days, coinciding with a campaign to highlight violence against women in Tunisia.

Police this year have detained more than 20 leading political figures, accusing some of plotting against state security.