Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim sent a letter on July 31 to Tunisian President Kais Saied appealing for the release of Sheikh Rached Ghannouchi on humanitarian grounds due to his health and advanced age. Ghannouchi, the 84-year-old political figure, remains in detention in Tunisia [1, 2].
Anwar described Ghannouchi as a friend and emphasized the appeal respects Tunisia’s sovereignty and legal processes. He made clear the request was based solely on humanitarian concerns rather than political considerations [1, 3, 2].
"I have sent a letter to the President of the Republic of Tunisia, Kais Saied, requesting his due consideration of Ghannouchi’s health condition and advanced age, including the possibility of granting his release on compassionate and humanitarian grounds," Anwar said. He added, "I believe that values of compassion, mercy and human dignity will always serve as guiding principles in addressing this matter" [1].
Sheikh Rached Ghannouchi’s detention has drawn international attention due to his age and health, prompting calls for leniency. Anwar's letter underlines the need to approach the case with compassion without challenging Tunisian authority [1, 2].
No official response from Tunisia has been reported since the letter was sent on July 31. The Malaysian government is awaiting further developments.
