Amnesty International has urged Tunisian authorities to launch immediate, neutral, and independent investigations into the sharp increase in deaths among detainees during the country’s intense summer heatwaves. The organization emphasized that the dire conditions within Tunisian prisons, which pose a threat to life, must be addressed urgently to prevent further fatalities.
The Tunisian Association for the Defense of Human Rights (LTDH) reported at least 23 prisoner deaths between July and August 2026. This period coincided with Tunisia experiencing its hottest summer since 1950. High temperatures, exacerbated by a severe national shortage of bottled drinking water, worsened already harsh prison conditions characterized by chronic overcrowding and erratic running water supplies. While families of detainees cited medical neglect, prison officials denied these allegations.
Hiba Meraiif, Amnesty International’s Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa, stated that holding individuals in poorly ventilated cells under record temperatures without adequate water constitutes a grave violation of the right to life. She noted that overcrowding rates reaching 194% suggest a systemic crisis in the detention system, potentially used as a means to restrict political space. Meraiif criticized the government’s repeated denials and lack of transparency, asserting that families have the right to know the causes of their relatives’ deaths and that those responsible for abuse or neglect must be held accountable.
Amnesty International verified the deaths of 12 individuals through interviews with family members, lawyers, and civil society organizations, as well as online testimonies. One case involved Alaeddine Abd al-Qadir, a 24-year-old university student detained pre-trial at Mornag Prison. His uncle, Abd al-Majid Bouajila, told Amnesty that just two days before his death on August 28, 2026, Alaeddine described unbearable heat, breathing difficulties, and days-long water cuts. Medical records from Charles Nicolle Hospital indicated he died of heatstroke, multiple organ failure, and coma after being admitted on August 27. Despite his death, prison staff accepted food parcels from his mother on August 28 without informing her. The family only learned of his passing three days later when a relative attempted to deposit money into his account.
Deaths were reported across several facilities, including Kairouan, Sfax, Gabes, and Gafsa. Families reported severe dehydration, respiratory issues, and skin problems due to water interruptions. Delays in medical care and hospital referrals were frequently cited. On July 27, the General Directorate of Prisons and Rehabilitation claimed measures were taken to address heat, denying claims of deteriorating health conditions. Spokesman Hatem Akrouat reiterated on August 22 that detainees receive appropriate medical follow-up.
Amnesty documented 12 cases where prison administrations failed to notify families promptly of serious illness or death, causing severe psychological distress. This practice violates Article 7 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights regarding cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment. International standards, including Rule 69 of the Nelson Mandela Rules, mandate immediate notification of next of kin in case of death or serious illness.
Tunisia’s prison system suffers from chronic overcrowding, with a national occupancy rate of 194% in 2025 according to Prison Insider. Conditions are worse in specific prisons: Kairouan (251%), Mornag (210%), and Gabes (209%). At least eight prisons provide less than two square meters per detainee. The National Institute of Meteorology confirmed the 2026 summer was the hottest since 1950, with high nighttime temperatures limiting relief. Power outages and water supply disruptions further impacted bottled water production and distribution, affecting prisons until mid-September. Some facilities restricted detainees’ ability to purchase water, limiting it to one liter in certain cases.
This report was produced by the HuMedia newsroom.
