Lawyer Karim Marzouki expressed his deep concern on Thursday November 6, 2025 following a visit to Jaouhar Ben Mbarek at Belli prison. He described a state of health “ very weakened “, a direct consequence of the wild hunger strike that the political opponent has been leading since October 29, 2025, that is to say without food, without water and without medicine.
« My decision is final, there will be no going back,” Jaouhar Ben Mbarek reportedly confided, in a barely audible voice. Asked about his relationship to life, he reportedly added: “I love life, but I love a life that has meaning, not an absurd life. »
Karim Marzouki says he left prison with “ an overwhelming feeling of sorrow », leaving room for Dalila Ben Mbarek, sister of the detainee, to visit him.
Journalist Monia Arfaoui reacted strongly to this testimony, evoking a “ choc » and a “ real fear » in the face of the opponent’s determination.
It recalls the image of a man “dfull of energy, constantly arguing, always moving ”, and addresses him directly:
« Your life matters, Jaouher. For your father, your children, your sister… and for us. »
She warns against an end that consciences could not bear ».
The Tunisian League for Human Rights (LTDH) expressed, on Tuesday, its “ deep concern » in the face of the deterioration in the state of health of Jaouhar Ben Mbarek.
She confirms that he has been carrying out a wild hunger strike since October 29, in protest against what he considers to be arbitrary detention and a trial ” lacking the basic conditions for a fair judgment ».
The League denounces a “ voluntary indifference » of the authorities and holds them “ fully responsible » of the life and physical integrity of the detainee.
She calls for “the immediate end to the policy of denial”his urgent transfer to a medical facility and the release of all political prisoners.
Lawyer Samir Dilou had already warned of a situation “ extremely critical », affirming that Jaouhar Ben Mbarek is now “ at death’s door ».
The father of the detainee, Ezzeddine Hazgui, also denounced a “ direct responsibility » of the authorities and describes the strike as “ an act of political resistance ».
M.B.Z
