Tunisia: Authorities must urgently investigate surge in detainees’ deaths in prisons

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Amnesty International has stated that Tunisian authorities must immediately launch prompt, impartial, and independent investigations into the alarming spike in deaths in detention during the severe heatwaves of summer 2026 and address life-threatening prison conditions across the country. The Tunisian League for the Defence of Human Rights (LTDH) confirmed at least 23 deaths of prisoners between July and August 2026. Heba Morayef, Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa at Amnesty International, stated that holding detainees in unventilated cells during record-breaking heat without adequate access to drinking water is a grave violation of the right to life. While families of prisoners have reported medical negligence, prison officials have denied these allegations. Amnesty International has verified 12 of these deaths and reported that prison authorities frequently delayed notifying families of their relatives' deaths, which may constitute cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment.