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Written question asked by Lord Hannan of Kingsclere (Conservative) on Thursday, 16 April 2026, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 30 April 2026. It was answered by Baroness Chapman of Darlington (Labour) on Wednesday, 29 April 2026 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 regarding the sentencing of Rached Ghannouchi, former Speaker of the Tunisian Parliament, to 20 years' imprisonment; and what steps they are taking to press for his release in light of the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention’s finding (Opinion No. 63/2025) that his detention is arbitrary.

Answer

The UK monitors the political context in Tunisia closely, including changes to the sentences of Mr Rached Ghannouchi and others. The UK regularly encourages respect for civil, political, social and economic rights and the rule of law in Tunisia. Our Ambassador to Tunisia has raised the case of Mr Ghannouchi with the Tunisian authorities, and Ministers have underlined the importance of political participation and human rights in discussions with the Tunisian Government. To date, the UK has used a range of programmes and activities to encourage and support an open and inclusive society in Tunisia.


Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
HL16460
Session
2024-26
Grouped for answer
Yes
Subjects
Detainees Politics and government Prisoners' release Tunisia Ghannouchi, Rached
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk