3 Tunisian judges on hunger strike hospitalized as their health deteriorates

By Gulsen Topcu

TUNIS, Tunisia (AA) - The health of three Tunisian judges who have been on hunger strike for several weeks in protest of President Kais Saied's decision to fire 57 justices has deteriorated and they have been admitted to hospital, according to a judicial fraternity organization.

A statement issued by the Tunisian Judges Association on Friday said, "Judge Muhammed et-Tahir el-Kenzari, who has been on a hunger strike for 38 days, and judges Ahmed el-Abidi and Kays es-Sabbahi, who have been on strike for 25 days, have been transferred for medical examinations due to the decline of their health conditions."

"After the initial examination, el-Abidi was discharged, however el-Kenzari and es-Sabbahi were kept under observation," the statement added.

Since June 22, a number of Tunisian judges have been on hunger strike in protest of President Kais Saied's dismissal of 57 justices without the right to appeal or defend themselves. They were charged by the president with "obstructing justice in relation to corruption and terrorism" in the country.

Tunisian political parties and trade unions, as well as the international community, were outraged by the president's decision.

On June 4, the judges' association announced that, in addition to organizing sit-ins in all judicial facilities, no judges will be appointed to replace the dismissed judges.

*Ikram Imane Kouachi in Ankara contributed to this report