Tunisia – Death of psychiatrist in prison… Call for opening an investigation

Yesterday, the professional bodies of the deaneries and unions representing the health sector met at the headquarters of the National Order of Physicians Council. This meeting was driven by concerns over the frequent pre-trial imprisonment of numerous health professionals who have not been found guilty, especially in cases directly linked to their professional duties. This issue was highlighted by the tragic death of Dr. Muhamed Al-Hajji, a psychiatry specialist, whose health declined due to the conditions of his detention in Bizerte prison.

In a joint statement released by the health structure coordination (comprising the National Council of the Order of Physicians, the National Council of the Order of Pharmacists of Tunisia, and the Order of Dentists of Tunisia), the coordination calls for an inquiry into the circumstances surrounding this distressing event and insists on identifying those responsible.

Similarly, the coordination urges that the legal proceedings involving health professionals, which are related to their professional activities, be handled with care. This includes admitting the technical nuances of their work and upholding the presumption of innocence, which necessitates that such investigations occur while the people remain free.

The statement also emphasises the plight of 5 doctors and pharmacists currently imprisoned following their preventative arrests. The coordination is pressing for an immediate meeting with the Minister of Justice, Laila Jaffel, to examine relevant laws and regulations. This meeting is seen as critical for holding the Ministry of Health accountable for defending its employees in the course of their duties. Moreover, a working session with the Minister of Health is being requested.

The Health Structure Coordination has a press conference planned for Wednesday, March 20, 2024, at 10 a.m., to be held at the Council of the National Order of Physicians’ headquarters at the Maison du Médecin in Manar I, Tunis. They are calling on all healthcare professionals to wear red armbands throughout the week starting Monday, March 18, 2024, as a sign of their protest.