DZWatch Exclusive: The family of detained Tunisian opposition figure Jouhar Ben Mbarek has alleged that he was severely beaten while in prison. The claims come amidst Ben Mbarek’s ongoing hunger strike, raising concerns about his well-being and the conditions of his detention.
According to Ben Mbarek’s sister, Dalila Ben Mbarek Msaddek, the assault involved both prison guards and fellow inmates. In a video posted online, Msaddek stated, “Guards and prisoners beat him. There are signs of beatings on his side, bruising and scratches on his body. They beat him until he fainted. There is a fracture… Six prisoners and five guards did this.”
Msaddek said she learned of the alleged abuse from lawyer Hanan al-Khamiri, who visited Ben Mbarek on Wednesday. Al-Khamiri has reportedly filed a complaint with the public prosecutor, alleging torture. The complaint states that Ben Mbarek was subjected to violent assault on Tuesday.
During a press conference, al-Khamiri stated that visible signs of torture were present on Ben Mbarek’s body, and that he complained of a fractured rib. Ben Mbarek’s father, Ezzedine Hazgui, also condemned the prison guards as “criminals” during the same press conference. He indicated that he was able to meet with the prison director, who allegedly dismissed the lawyer’s account as an exaggeration.
The sister of the Tunisian dissident further claimed that “the guards ordered the prisoners to attack him.” She added, tearfully, “They tortured him because he refused to eat… We have reached a stage of savagery.”
The Republican Party, an opposition group in Tunisia, has also released a statement expressing concern over the alleged assault on Ben Mbarek. The party views the incident as an attempt to break his will and deter him from continuing his hunger strike. The Republican Party’s Secretary-General, Issam Chebbi, is also detained in connection with the same case, known as the “Case of…”
DZWatch is closely monitoring the situation and will provide updates as they become available.
