Ghannouchi, the head of the influential Ennahda party, faces multiple charges, many brought under the country’s contentious Terrorism Act.

Speaking to our correspondent, Eliza Volkmann, a journalist covering North Africa and the Sahel, described the trial as “a politically motivated campaign.” She explained, “Ghannouchi’s party started as a revolutionary Islamist movement in the late 1970s but has since evolved into a more moderate and democratic Muslim organisation. Yet, despite this transformation, he remains a convenient target for political repression, especially after President Kais Saied’s 2022 constitutional changes that concentrated executive, legislative and judicial powers in his hands.”

Volkmann added that public interest in the trials has diminished over time, with many perceiving the legal process as predetermined. “Ghannouchi has refused to attend recent hearings and has challenged the fairness of the proceedings, even taking complaints to international courts. This reflects the erosion of judicial independence in Tunisia,” she said.

In parallel, Tunisia is attempting to address deep-rooted issues in its healthcare sector by drafting new legislation aimed at reform. The country’s public health system is plagued by chronic underfunding, outdated infrastructure and shortages of essential medicines, problems worsened by Tunisia’s persistent foreign currency shortages.

Volkmann highlighted ongoing unrest among medical professionals: “Junior doctors continue to protest harsh working conditions, long hours and a lack of sufficient support. The healthcare reforms will need to tackle these fundamental challenges if they are to succeed.”

--ChannelAfrica--