Ahmed Harbaoui

Ahmed Harbaoui was committed to Mornaguia Civil Prison on 31 January 2024 with no signs of illness. His health gradually deteriorated (dehydration, blood pressure disorders, weight loss) without his being seen by a doctor, according to his family’s accounts during visits. He was transferred to Mahmoud El Matri Hospital in Ariana after falling ill, with discrepancies between the actual date of transfer and the date stated by the prison administration. He was found at the hospital in a critical condition, shackled hand and foot, suffering from swollen legs and a lung infection. He was returned to prison without medical clearance confirming his recovery and without treatment, and in degrading conditions during his transfer. He died on the night of 15 March 2024, amid conflicting accounts of the place and time of death, and testimonies that prison officers refused to provide him with emergency care despite other prisoners’ calls for help. Scratches were observed on his body, which the administration attributed to self-infliction, and the family was not given the forensic medical report despite a “suspicious death” report having been opened. The family was also handed medication that the administration claimed was his, although he had previously denied taking any treatment, and his clothes and money have not been returned to date.