The family of detained journalist Chadha Haj Mbarek reported, in a moving letter conveyed by her sister, that Chadha has been on an open hunger strike since Wednesday, May 14, 2025, to protest the “blatant violation of her right to health care” inside Messaadine Prison in Sousse, where she has been detained in inhumane conditions.
The detained journalist suffers from high blood pressure affecting her eyes, serious problems with her spine, shoulder, and right wrist, in addition to frequent vomiting and loss of consciousness due to pain and an intolerance to painkillers due to her deteriorating condition.
Refusal of a meeting by the administration and lack of medical care:
Haj Mbarek stated in her letter that she had repeatedly requested to meet with the prison administration to complain about her deteriorating health, but has received no response so far. She also explained that she was repeatedly taken to the hospital for tests, without being informed of her diagnosis or being granted the necessary treatment, despite possible medical recommendations for spinal surgery.
Her sister stated that the last phone call with her was cut off while she was crying and pleading for urgent intervention to save her life. She noted that lawyers are currently unable to visit her until an appeal hearing is scheduled.
Violation of the Right to Health and Dignity of Detainees:
The Freedom for Tunisia Observatory sounds the alarm on the serious health condition of journalist Chadha Haj Mbarek. It considers her denial of healthcare and the systematic medical neglect she is subjected to a grave violation of the right to health, guaranteed under Article 43 of the Tunisian Constitution and Article 12 of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, as well as a clear violation of the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners (the Nelson Mandela Rules).
The Observatory affirms that denying detainees adequate healthcare constitutes a form of cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment, especially when the detainees suffer from critical health conditions that directly affect their right to life and physical integrity.
The Freedom for Tunisia Observatory calls for:
- The urgent transfer of journalist Chadha Haj Mbarek to a hospital outside prison for necessary medical examinations and interventions;
- An investigation into the circumstances of her medical neglect inside Messaadine Prison and holding those responsible for any negligence or neglect accountable;
- Enabling her family and lawyers to visit her and review her medical and judicial status without delay;
- Her immediate release, given that the conditions of her detention have become life-threatening and constitute a grave violation of human rights.
The Observatory holds the judicial and administrative authorities fully responsible for any serious developments affecting the journalist’s health and calls on civil society and international bodies to take urgent action to save her life.