Rached Ghannouchi called for democracy and rule of law as the foundation of Tunisia’s political future.
In a message from Mornaguia Prison near Tunis, the Ennahda leader rejected repression as a path to stability.
He said nations are built on consultation, justice and respect for the people’s will.
Ghannouchi described democracy as a peaceful mechanism for transferring power and protecting fundamental rights.
He argued that democratic governance aligns with Islamic principles aimed at preventing tyranny and safeguarding human dignity.
Tunisia’s future, he said, lies in freedom, pluralism and institutions that ensure peaceful political alternation.
He acknowledged that political transitions may falter, but insisted the desire for freedom cannot be permanently defeated.
Addressing supporters of the Ennahda Movement, he urged loyalty to justice rather than to individuals.
An appeals court on Feb. 3 increased his prison sentence to 20 years on conspiracy charges.
He had previously received a 14-year sentence in the same case.
Ghannouchi, 84, has been detained since April 2023.
Tunisian authorities say the prosecution concerns criminal offences related to state security.
Officials deny political interference and insist the judiciary acts independently.
Critics and opposition figures argue the case reflects a broader campaign against opponents of Kais Saied.
Saied introduced exceptional measures in July 2021, saying they were necessary to protect the state.
He rejects accusations that those steps undermined Tunisia’s democratic freedoms.
