Written question asked by Lord Hylton (Crossbench) on Thursday, 20 April 2023, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Friday, 5 May 2023. It was answered by Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon (Conservative) on Thursday, 4 May 2023 on behalf of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

Rached Ghannouchi

Question: To ask His Majesty's Government what representations, they have made to the government of Tunisia about the treatment of Mr Rached Ghannouchi, Head of the Ennahdha Party, and in particular about the imprisonment warrant issued against him.

Answer: We monitor the political and human rights situation in Tunisia closely. The UK Government has made its views clear, calling for space for legitimate political opposition, civil society and independent media in light of recent developments. On 18 April, the Minister of State for North Africa, Lord (Tariq) Ahmad of Wimbledon made clear the UK's view that the recent wave of arrests, including of Rached Ghannouchi, and restrictions on political opposition in Tunisia are eroding the space for plurality, urging the Tunisian Government to respect the principles and values of an open and democratic society. Lord Ahmad also reiterated this message during his meeting with the Tunisian Chargé d'Affaires on 23 February. The UK is a constructive partner to Tunisia, and we will continue to raise these important issues with the Tunisian authorities at every available opportunity.

Secondary information