Euro-Med calls for release of Ennahda leader Atigue

By Busranur Koca

ANKARA (AA) - Switzerland-based Euro-Mediterranean Human Rights Organization (Euro-Med) has called for the release of Sahbi Atigue, the leader of the Ennahda Movement, who is imprisoned in Tunisia, due to his deteriorating health.

In the statement, Euro-Med stated that there was no evidence against Atigue, who was arrested for money laundering.

It also said that he was arrested not for money laundering but for his political views.

Atigue went on a hunger strike after his arrest on May 6.

His blood sugar and pressure has dropped drastically, and he can no longer walk or talk, Euro-Med added.

Atigue's detention was "arbitrary, illegal and unjustified" and the Tunisian authorities were entirely responsible for his deteriorating health, it added.

The Ennahda Movement, also known as the Renaissance Party, is a Tunisian political party that identifies as a moderate Islamist movement.

*Writing by Alperen Aktas in Istanbul