分类： politics

Prominent Tunisian opposition figure Rached Ghannouchi, aged 84, has initiated a hunger strike in protest against what he and his supporters describe as his ‘unjust imprisonment,’ according to statements from his legal team on Saturday. Ghannouchi, the leader of the Ennahda party and a vocal critic of President Kais Saied, joins two other detained politicians—Jawhar Ben Mbarek and Issam Chebbi—who have also resorted to hunger strikes to demand their release. The trio’s actions underscore a broader crackdown on dissent in Tunisia, with much of the opposition now incarcerated and accusations that Saied is using the judiciary to consolidate his power, transforming the nation into what critics call an ‘open-air prison.’

Ghannouchi’s hunger strike is not only a show of solidarity with Ben Mbarek, who was sentenced to 18 years in April on charges of ‘conspiracy against state security’ and ‘belonging to a terrorist group,’ but also a stand to ‘defend freedoms in the country.’ Ghannouchi himself has been detained since 2023, facing a cumulative 37-year sentence across multiple cases, including allegations of unlawful foreign funding and plotting against the state. He has refused to participate in court proceedings, asserting that judges are acting under Saied’s directives.

Concerns over the health of the hunger strikers have escalated, with lawyers, family members, and human rights organizations warning that Ben Mbarek’s condition has deteriorated significantly. Despite these concerns, the Tunisian Prisons Authority maintains that the prisoners’ health is ‘normal and stable,’ based on medical evaluations, though it has provided no further details. Earlier this year, several opposition leaders, including Ben Mbarek and Chebbi, were handed prison sentences ranging from five to 66 years on similar charges. Human rights groups argue that these cases are politically motivated, designed to silence critics of the government.

The situation has drawn international attention, with rights organizations condemning the alleged misuse of the judiciary to suppress dissent. As the hunger strikes continue, the plight of Tunisia’s opposition figures highlights the deepening political crisis in the country and the growing tensions between the government and its critics.

On the 10th anniversary of the historic 2015 meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and former Taiwanese leader Ma Ying-jeou, a mainland spokesperson reiterated the importance of the 1992 Consensus and opposition to ‘Taiwan independence’ in maintaining peace across the Taiwan Strait. Chen Binhua, spokesman for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, emphasized that the 1992 Consensus remains the political cornerstone for peaceful cross-Strait relations. He highlighted the 2015 meeting as a pivotal moment in fostering institutionalized exchanges and stability between the two sides. Ma Ying-jeou, in a social media post, echoed this sentiment, urging current Taiwanese leader Lai Ching-te to return to the shared political foundation to avoid escalating tensions. Chen warned that any deviation from the one-China principle and pursuit of ‘Taiwan independence’ would lead to confrontation and hinder dialogue. He stressed that reunification is an inevitable historical trend, while ‘Taiwan independence’ is a dead end. The mainland expressed willingness to strengthen communication with Taiwan’s political parties and groups to enhance cross-Strait relations and improve the well-being of compatriots on both sides.

In a significant escalation of diplomatic tensions, Turkey has issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and several senior officials, accusing them of genocide and crimes against humanity in Gaza. The Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office announced on Friday that warrants had been issued for 37 high-ranking Israeli figures, including Defense Minister Israel Katz, National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, and Army Chief Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir. The charges stem from Israel’s military actions in Gaza since October 2023, which Turkey claims have involved systematic attacks on civilians, hospitals, and critical infrastructure. Specific incidents cited include the bombing of al-Ahli Baptist Hospital, the destruction of the Turkish-Palestinian Friendship Hospital, and the killing of six-year-old Hind Rajab. The investigation also covers Israel’s interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla, a humanitarian aid mission, in international waters. Activists aboard the flotilla have provided testimony and forensic evidence supporting the case. Israel has vehemently rejected the charges, with Foreign Minister Gideon Saar dismissing them as a ‘PR stunt’ by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. The move comes as Turkey seeks a role in the international stabilization force envisioned for post-war Gaza under US President Donald Trump’s plan, a proposal Israeli leaders have consistently opposed.

During his recent inspection tour in Guangdong province, President Xi Jinping emphasized the necessity of deepening reform and opening-up to achieve high-quality development. The visit, which took place on November 7 and 8, 2025, highlighted the importance of advancing the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area’s development through sustained efforts. Xi, who also serves as the General Secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Chairman of the Central Military Commission, visited a pomelo growing base in Meizhou city. There, he learned about local initiatives aimed at supporting old revolutionary base areas and promoting comprehensive rural revitalization. Xi’s remarks underscored the strategic significance of Guangdong in China’s broader economic and developmental agenda, reinforcing the region’s role as a pivotal hub for innovation and growth.