Rather than capitalizing on his popularity to consolidate his own power after the Arab Spring, the Tunisian politician Rached Ghannouchi pursued compromise in the name of pluralism and democracy. His imprisonment by a regime that does not share those commitments should provoke far more international outrage than it has.
ISTANBUL – As a former politician and former president who has long spoken out against political persecution, I feel duty bound to draw attention to the plight of the imprisoned Tunisian politician Rached Ghannouchi. Though his detention was supposed to end this summer, it looks as though it will now be extended. That prospect pains me, as it should any true believer in democracy. Ghannouchi has served his country and its people with decency. He does not deserve to be forgotten behind bars.
ISTANBUL – As a former politician and former president who has long spoken out against political persecution, I feel duty bound to draw attention to the plight of the imprisoned Tunisian politician Rached Ghannouchi. Though his detention was supposed to end this summer, it looks as though it will now be extended. That prospect pains me, as it should any true believer in democracy. Ghannouchi has served his country and its people with decency. He does not deserve to be forgotten behind bars.