Press Release
Lawyer Jamal Al-Din Bou Glab disclosed in a post on Friday, November 15, the critical condition of his brother, journalist Mohamed Bou Glab, who has been detained since March 26. He expressed deep concern over the alarming deterioration in Mohamed’s health.
– Partial loss of hearing and vision:
Jamal confirmed that his brother Mohamed has completely lost vision in his right eye and hearing in his left ear. He also noted that Mohamed has been without his essential heart medication since November 10. Despite alerting authorities as early as November 5 about the urgent need for treatment, the medication required for blood clot prevention and heart swelling has yet to be provided.
Mohamed’s conditions worsened when he was transferred on November 4 from his cell at the Mornaguia Civil Prison to another cell known as “Al-Karakeh.” This new cell is characterized by its poor living conditions, including cramped space, dilapidated infrastructure, and lack of basic amenities for detainees, suggesting a form of systematic mistreatment against the detained journalist.
These harsh conditions are especially concerning as Mohamed suffers from chronic illnesses, notably diabetes, which necessitates careful medical attention and continuous monitoring. The absence of proper healthcare has further exacerbated his condition, leading to skin swelling caused by persistent neglect.
– Human rights violations and breach of international treaties:
The Committee for Justice (CFJ) asserts that the conditions endured by journalist Mohamed Bou Glab represent a blatant violation of international conventions and treaties that guarantee prisoners’ rights. CFJ referenced Article 12 of the International Covenant on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights, which ensures the right to health, and Article 36 of the Tunisian Constitution, which states, “Every prisoner has the right to humane treatment that preserves their dignity.”
The committee stressed that Mohamed’s situation in the “Al-Karakeh” cell contradicts the fundamental principles of prisoner treatment, particularly regarding the right to adequate healthcare and humane living conditions.
– Calls for the journalist’s release and protection of prisoners’ rights:
CFJ urges Tunisian authorities to act immediately to safeguard the rights of detainees, including providing the necessary healthcare and adhering to international standards for prisoner treatment. The committee also calls for the release of journalist Mohamed Bou Glab and other prisoners of conscience detained for exercising their rights to expression or journalistic duties.
CFJ reiterates the importance of holding accountable those responsible for the violations against Bou Glab and warns that the continuation of these conditions could lead to severe and irreversible damage to his health.
