Tunisia Breaking News: Heatwave Raises Alarm Over Prison Conditions

TUNIS, Tunisia — Tunisia is facing renewed concern over prison conditions following a report that 23 prisoners died during the recent period of extreme heat, according to the Tunisian League for Human Rights (LTDH).

LTDH president Bassem Trifi told AFP that the organisation documented the deaths using information from doctors, lawyers and relatives of prisoners. Authorities, however, have not released an official figure for prison deaths during the summer.

The rights group says some overcrowded prison cells experienced temperatures exceeding 45°C, while concerns have also been raised about ventilation and access to water. Tunisian prison authorities have rejected allegations of inadequate care, saying detainees receive medical treatment according to regulations and that measures were taken in response to the heat.

The World Organisation Against Torture (OMCT) has also expressed concern about detention conditions and called for transparent and independent investigations into reported deaths.

The reported deaths have intensified attention on Tunisia’s prison system as the country continues to deal with the effects of an exceptionally severe summer. The exact number of heat-related deaths remains subject to official verification.