A Heatwave and a Crisis
The heat inside Mornaguia prison reached an alarming 52 degrees Celsius (126 degrees Fahrenheit), creating dangerous conditions for inmates. During a recent visit, Haifa Chebbi, daughter of imprisoned political leader Ahmed Nejib Chebbi, witnessed an alarming event. Former parliament speaker Rached Ghannouchi, 85 years old, fainted due to the extreme temperatures. Chebbi shared her emotional account via live video on Facebook, capturing the suffering of jailed figures under worsening heatwave conditions.
The incident underscores a growing concern over the treatment of political prisoners in Tunisia. With temperatures soaring and already harsh conditions, the crisis is intensifying. Mornaguia, known for its brutal treatment of detainees, saw another instance of distress under the current extreme weather.
Conditions and Confinement
Haifa Chebbi detailed the grim reality of life inside Mornaguia during her visit. Inmates are typically confined to cells no larger than 16 square metres (172 square feet) for most of the day. They are granted only two hours of outside time each day, a small reprieve in a space designed to isolate and degrade.
The limited freedom and exposure to extreme heat create a dangerous cycle of stress and exhaustion. Conditions have long been a point of controversy, and the recent heatwave has amplified the suffering of those behind bars, particularly the elderly.
Political Imprisonment and International Concern
Ahmed Nejib Chebbi, an 81-year-old opposition figure, has been a key voice in resisting the increasingly authoritarian rule of President Kais Saied. In 2022, he played a foundational role in creating the National Salvation Front (FSN), a coalition of secular, liberal, and Islamist groups. The movement aimed to oppose what Chebbi saw as the government’s drift toward repression and lack of democratic values.
In 2025, Chebbi was among 37 opposition figures arrested and charged with “conspiracy against state security.” Many received long sentences, with Chebbi himself handed a 12-year prison term. The trials sparked widespread international criticism, including strong condemnation from the United Nations.
In a statement, Turk said, “The process was marred by violations of fair trial and due process rights, raising serious concerns about political motivations.” The remarks pointed to the growing perception that legal actions are being weaponized to silence opposition voices.
Rached Ghannouchi, who was imprisoned in 2023, has also faced serious health challenges. On April 30, 2025, he was hospitalized due to a sharp decline in his health. Despite his condition, he was returned to Mornaguia in time for another grueling summer of confinement.
Haifa Chebbi emphasized that the prison staff were not to blame for the situation, noting that they were doing their best under the circumstances. She acknowledged that special attention was given to elderly detainees, including her father and Ghannouchi. Yet, she also stressed the toll the environment was taking, particularly on older inmates who have endured years in these conditions.
Chebbi listed several other detained opposition figures, such as lawyers Abir Moussi and Ayachi Hammami, journalist Ziad El Hani, and activist Chaima Issa. She tied their detention to broader unrest in Tunisia, including water and electricity shortages. Calling for action, she urged Tunisians to demand political change, stating, “We are responsible for everything that will happen, whether negative or positive.” Her words reflect a call for accountability and a shift toward meaningful reform.