29 APRIL 2023
Today the Muslim Council of Britain calls on our government to take action on the detainment of Rached Ghannouchi and Said Ferjani in Tunisia.
Their arrest has been criticised by international human rights groups.
The two individuals are not only leading advocates for democracy, freedom and human rights, but they also have deep connections to the UK and to the British Muslim community, contributing to cohesion and inter-faith understanding.
Mr Ferjani was once a member of the MCB’s Central Working Committee. Rachid Ghannouchi was the democratically elected the head of the Tunisian parliament and has been recognised internationally for his campaign for peace.
His awards include: the Chatham House Prize in 2012 and the International Crisis Group’s Founder’s Award for pioneers in peace-building as well as being named one of Time’s 100 Most Influential People in the World in 2012.
We urge the UK government to take immediate action to raise this issue with the Tunisian authorities. The UK has a responsibility to use its influence to support democracy and human rights, and to stand up for those who are unjustly detained.
The MCB will continue to monitor the situation and stands in solidarity with Rached Ghannouchi, Said Ferjani, and all those who are standing up for democracy and human rights in Tunisia.
-ENDS-
Notes to editors:
- For any media enquiries, contact: media@mcb.org.uk
- The Muslim Council of Britain (MCB) is the UK’s largest and most diverse Muslim umbrella organisation with membership spanning national, regional local organisations, mosques, charities and professional networks. It is independent, cross-sectarian and democratic with the leadership team accountable to the membership.