Written question asked by Lord Hylton (Crossbench) on Friday, 19 May 2023, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Monday, 5 June 2023. It was answered by Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon (Conservative) on Monday, 5 June 2023 on behalf of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

Rached Ghannouchi

Question: To ask His Majesty's Government what representations they are making to the government of Tunisia following the sentencing of (1) imprisonment, and (2) a fine, of Mr Rached Ghannouchi, leader of that country’s largest political party.

Answer: We monitor the political and human rights situation in Tunisia closely. On 18 April, I [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 were eroding the space for plurality. I reiterated this message during my meeting with the Tunisian Foreign Minister on 4 May. The UK continues to urge the Tunisian Government to respect the principles and values of an open and democratic society at every available opportunity.

Secondary information