Lawyer Dalila Ben Mbarek Msaddek, sister of political prisoner Jaouhar Ben Mbarek, warned on Wednesday November 19, 2025, of a further deterioration in the health of her brother, currently on hunger strike.
In a post published on Facebook, she wrote: “After the lawyers’ visit today, we learned that he was transferred yesterday for the fifth consecutive time to Nabeul hospital, before being returned to his cell… Jaouhar continues his strike and refuses to interrupt it despite 22 days having passed since its start. It only consumes water, without sugar or any nutritional intake. His body is exhausted, but he shows immense courage… His determination and his stubbornness worry and exhaust me… but they also fascinate me… ».
Violence and pressure: an ongoing investigation
Earlier this week, Jaouhar Ben Mbarek was urgently hospitalized after tests revealed the presence of a toxic substance in the kidneys, a sign of the beginnings of rhabdomyolysis linked to severe dehydration. Despite medical treatment, he reportedly refused any nutritional intake, presenting worrying symptoms: inability to walk, language problems, insomnia and rapid weight loss. His lawyer nevertheless managed to convince him to drink at least one liter of water per day.
An investigation was opened after his defense claimed that the inmate had been violently attacked at Belli prison by fellow inmates and officers. During his transfer to the Nabeul regional hospital, examinations reportedly confirmed the presence of bruises and traces of blows. A doctor, alerted by the suspicion of torture, allegedly ordered his hospitalization. An administrative investigation was also launched.
The defense also denounces pressure exerted on the lawyers, some being the subject of judicial instructions. The Bar Association protested against the restrictions on visits.
Official denial: the minister facing hunger strikes
For its part, the prison administration denies all the accusations, notably contesting the existence of a hunger strike and ensuring regular medical monitoring of prisoners.
During the plenary session of November 15, 2025 devoted to the Justice budget, Minister Leïla Jaffel adopted a firm, sometimes ironic tone when faced with deputies questioning the hunger strikes of political prisoners. She denied the existence of strikes “ wild » and denounced a “ unfounded campaign » on social networks, claiming that the detainees continue to feed themselves, sometimes “ half and half “. The minister specified that these movements remain medically supervised and that detainees have the right to refuse this monitoring. She also downplayed their impact on legal proceedings, accusing her critics of harming the country without tangible results.
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