A message of solidarity with Rached Ghannouchi and other Tunisian political prisoners - 17 April 2025

On the second anniversary of the unlawful arrest of Rached Ghannouchi, former Speaker of the Tunisian Parliament and leader of the Ennahda Party, we express our solidarity with him, Said Ferjani, and all other political prisoners, whose detentions represent a serious perversion of justice and freedom in Tunisia.

Rached Ghannouchi has been a prominent figure in Tunisia’s democratic journey. He established himself as a moderate voice advocating for democratic principles and peaceful political engagement long before the Arab Spring. Through our work in Tunisia, Forward Thinking has witnessed Mr Ghannouchi’s unwavering commitment to democratic values, even in challenging times. This includes his consistent efforts to build consensus among all parties in Tunisia, and his ability to work across ideological lines to place national unity above partisan interests. 

Our Director, Oliver McTernan, has recorded the video message below to express our solidarity with Mr Ghannouchi and to highlight the importance of democratic values and fair treatment of political figures: