The investigation into the attack suffered by Jaouhar Ben Mbarek, detained in the context of the so-called case of conspiracy against state security, has officially been opened, the committee for the defense of political detainees incarcerated in this case announced Thursday, November 13.
The opponent, currently in the third week of a hunger strike, was transported to the Nabeul regional hospital after suffering violence inside Belli prison. According to his lawyer, the attack took place in an unfilmed area, involving six inmates and five prison officers.
According to his defense, Me Dalila Mseddi, who visited him today, the academic and activist confirmed point by point the story of his attack as previously presented by Me Hanen Khemiri, with one precision: medical examinations revealed contusions on two ribs, without fracture, contrary to initial suspicions.
The lawyer also noted visible traces of blows and scratches on her client’s body.
Still according to his lawyers, a doctor mandated by the prison authorities went to Jaouhar Ben Mbarek 24 hours after the events, following a report of an act of torture. This doctor allegedly ordered his immediate transfer to hospital, where additional examinations were carried out.
The same evening, around 11 p.m., a senior official from the general directorate of prisons and re-education visited the site and confirmed the opening of an administrative investigation. People suspected of involvement, several inmates, prison officers and the head of a ward have already been interviewed, according to the same source.
Jaouhar Ben Mbarek’s defense reaffirms its determination to ensure the protection of its clients “in the face of injustices and the instrumentalization of the judicial power in political conflicts”.
It also denounces the pressure and threats aimed at its members, three of whose lawyers are now the subject of a judicial investigation for their role in the defense of political detainees.
The defense finally calls on the general management of prisons to “stop the policy of denial” and the Grombalia justice system to immediately open a judicial investigation against the alleged perpetrators of the attack.
The Tunisian Bar Association denounces obstacles to Jaouhar Ben Mbarek’s visits
On Wednesday, November 12, the National Order of Lawyers of Tunisia (Onat) was outraged by the refusal of the judicial and prison authorities to authorize several lawyers to visit their client, Jaouhar Ben Mbarek, detained in Belli prison. Despite valid authorizations, Dalila Msaddek Ben Mbarek, Hanen Khemiri and Lobna Mejri faced unjustified administrative obstacles. Additionally, violence was reported against the detainee during a previous visit.
President Boubaker Bethabet denounced a flagrant violation of the laws protecting the right of detainees to meet their lawyer in complete confidentiality. He called for an immediate investigation and announced an urgent meeting of the Council of the Order to decide on the measures to be taken in the face of these serious facts.
Investigation opened against three lawyers for disseminating false information on hunger strikes in prison
The Tunis prosecutor’s office has ordered the opening of an investigation against three lawyers, following complaints from the General Directorate of Prisons for spreading rumors and false information on hunger strikes and the state of health of the prisoners concerned. Legal action has been taken against anyone disseminating inaccurate information, with evidence transmitted to the competent authorities.
General Prisons Committee denies allegations about hunger strikers’ health
For its part, the General Prisons Committee denied what it called allegations of deteriorating health of inmates on hunger strike, saying their condition is being monitored in accordance with medical protocols. He contested the very existence of certain strikes, specifying that some detainees refuse medical examinations and continue to consume food and drinks.
S.H
