Tunisia: Imprisoned journalist Hamadi Jebali begins another hunger strike
On 9 April 2005, journalist Hamadi Jebali started another hunger strike. He has been jailed since 1991. "We are concerned about Hamadi Jebali's deteriorating health. He is getting weaker with each successive hunger strike. It is deplorable that he is not given the food brought for him by his wife. Once again, we urge President Zine el-Abidine Ben Ali to see to it that the journalist is released immediately and unconditionally," Reporters sans frontières (RSF) said.
IFEX - News from the international freedom of expression community
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ALERT UPDATE - TUNISIA
15 April 2005
Imprisoned journalist Hamadi Jebali begins another hunger strike
SOURCE: Reporters sans frontières (RSF), Paris
**Updates IFEX alerts of 4 June, 14 and 3 February and 17 January 2003**
(RSF/IFEX) - On 9 April 2005, journalist Hamadi Jebali started another
hunger strike. He has been jailed since 1991.
"We are concerned about Hamadi Jebali's deteriorating health. He is getting
weaker with each successive hunger strike. It is deplorable that he is not
given the food brought for him by his wife. Once again, we urge President
Zine el-Abidine Ben Ali to see to it that the journalist is released
immediately anmd unconditionally," RSF said.
The journalist's wife, Wahida Jebali, who lives 250 km from Sfax, is only
able to visit her husband in jail once a month. Because of his health
problems, a doctor had recommended that he go on a special diet. He was able
to follow the special diet because of his wife's visits, when she would
bring him the required special food. In March, however, the prison guards
refused to pass on the food to Jebali. His wife is now very concerned for
his health and has demanded that he be given a medical examination. She
plans on reiterating her appeal during her next prison visit on 16 April.
Jebali, editor of the weekly "Al Fajr", the organ of the Islamic movement An
Nahda, has been jailed since 1991 in a private cell. He was transferred to
Sfax prison in 2000 and is scheduled for release in 2007.
BACKGROUND:
Arrested on 31 January 1991, Jebali was sentenced the same day to one year
in prison for "defamation". This followed the publication of an article
written by lawyer Mohammed Nouri that called for the closure of military
tribunals.
On 28 August 1992, Jebali was sentenced to 16 years in prison for "belonging
to an illegal organisation" and "attempting to change the nature of the
state". His trial took place in appalling conditions.
For further information contact RSF, 5, rue Geoffroy Marie, Paris 75009,
France, tel: +33 1 44 83 84 84, fax: +33 1 45 23 11 51, e-mail:
[email protected], Internet: http://www.rsf.org
The information contained in this alert update is the sole responsibility of
RSF. In citing this material for broadcast or publication, please credit
RSF.
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