HIKAM Calls for Immediate Humanitarian Release of Sheikh Rached Ghannouchi and Vulnerable Political Detainees in Tunisia
HIKAM expresses its deep concern over reports regarding the deteriorating health of Sheikh Rached Ghannouchi and other vulnerable political detainees in Tunisia amid an unprecedented heat wave and ongoing electricity disruptions affecting the country.
Reports indicating that Sheikh Rached Ghannouchi, who is over 80 years old and has existing health concerns, has reportedly collapsed due to extreme heat in detention are deeply alarming. If accurate, they underscore the urgent need for humanitarian measures to safeguard the lives and dignity of elderly and medically vulnerable detainees.
HIKAM believes that the protection of human life and dignity is a universal obligation that transcends political differences. International human rights standards, as well as the principles of justice and compassion, require that detainees receive adequate medical care and humane conditions of detention, particularly during emergencies that pose serious risks to life.
Allah SWT says:
“Whoever saves one life, it is as if he has saved all of humanity.” (Surah al-Ma’idah: 32)
In light of the current humanitarian situation, HIKAM respectfully calls upon:
The Government of Tunisia to urgently consider the humanitarian release of Sheikh Rached Ghannouchi and other elderly, chronically ill, or medically vulnerable detainees, and to ensure that all prisoners have access to proper medical care and safe detention conditions.
The international community, including the United Nations, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), the African Union, and all relevant human rights mechanisms, to engage constructively with the Tunisian authorities in safeguarding the lives and dignity of those at risk.
Civil society organisations across the world to advocate for humanitarian solutions that uphold justice, compassion, and respect for fundamental human rights.
HIKAM reiterates that humanitarian concerns should never be politicised. Protecting human life remains a shared moral responsibility and should be addressed through dialogue, justice, and respect for human dignity.
We pray for the safety, well-being, and swift relief of Sheikh Rached Ghannouchi and all those facing humanitarian hardship in places of detention.
“Justice Upholds Human Dignity; Compassion Preserves Life.”
Himpunan Gerakan Islam Malaysia (HIKAM)
1. Wadah Pencerdasan Umat Malaysia (WADAH)
2. Pertubuhan IKRAM Malaysia (IKRAM)
3. Angkatan Belia Islam Malaysia (ABIM)
4. Pertubuhan Himpunan Lepasan Institusi Pendidikan Malaysia (HALUAN)
HIKAM Secretariat
Azizuddin Ahmad
Secretary-General of WADAH
Mohd Hafiz Abd Hamid
Secretary-General of IKRAM
Ahmad Fawwaz Ahmad Shukri
Secretary-General of ABIM
Mohd Sabbri Md Yudin
Secretary-General of HALUAN
