Free Destourian Party Fights to Rid Tunisia of 'Political Islam'

The leader of the Free Destourian Party (PDL) Abir Moussi in the parliament (File photo: AFP)
The leader of the Free Destourian Party (PDL) Abir Moussi in the parliament (File photo: AFP)
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Free Destourian Party Fights to Rid Tunisia of 'Political Islam'

The leader of the Free Destourian Party (PDL) Abir Moussi in the parliament (File photo: AFP)
The leader of the Free Destourian Party (PDL) Abir Moussi in the parliament (File photo: AFP)

The Free Destourian Party accused Tunisian opposition parties, namely the leftist movement, of abandoning their battle against “political Islam”, calling on the leaders to support the formation of a strong political front against parties that threaten the civil state.

In a letter to President Kais Saied, Leader of the Free Destourian Abir Moussi urged the National Security Council to hold an emergency meeting to take the necessary measures and protect the nation from the dangers of the International Union of Muslim Scholars (IUMS) and Muslim Brotherhood, who are active in Tunisia through Ennahda movement.

Moussi presented evidence supporting claims that IUMS violated the Tunisian constitution, the international agreements on women and family’s rights, and the Personal Status Law.

The government of Hichem Mechichi deliberately facilitated attacks by groups under its cover, affiliated with the Muslim Brotherhood, against the Free Destourian's sit-in outside the Union headquarters in Tunis, according to Moussi.

Meanwhile, Mohsen Marzouk, the Head of Machrouu Tounes, announced forming a political alliance with Moussi, on the condition of refraining from giving statements that are against Ennahda or contribute to dividing Tunisians.

Marzouk accused Karama Coalition, which supports the Ennahda movement, of waging a proxy war on behalf of Rached Ghannouchi, who has become “the political arm of terrorism.”

Also, activist Olfa Youssef, who is a known opponent of political Islam, said that left-wing parties are backing Nidaa Tounes party and its late leader Beji Caid Essebsi, while they refrain from supporting the Free Destourian and its leader, even though both parties have the same political orientation.



Almost Half of Attacks on Heath Care in Lebanon Have Been Deadly, WHO Says

Smoke rises as a result of an Israeli airstrike on the village of Al-Khiyam in southern Lebanon, as seen from the Israeli side of the border, northern Israel, 22 November 2024, amid cross-border hostilities between Hezbollah and Israel. (EPA)
Smoke rises as a result of an Israeli airstrike on the village of Al-Khiyam in southern Lebanon, as seen from the Israeli side of the border, northern Israel, 22 November 2024, amid cross-border hostilities between Hezbollah and Israel. (EPA)
TT

Almost Half of Attacks on Heath Care in Lebanon Have Been Deadly, WHO Says

Smoke rises as a result of an Israeli airstrike on the village of Al-Khiyam in southern Lebanon, as seen from the Israeli side of the border, northern Israel, 22 November 2024, amid cross-border hostilities between Hezbollah and Israel. (EPA)
Smoke rises as a result of an Israeli airstrike on the village of Al-Khiyam in southern Lebanon, as seen from the Israeli side of the border, northern Israel, 22 November 2024, amid cross-border hostilities between Hezbollah and Israel. (EPA)

The World Health Organization says nearly half of the attacks on health care in Lebanon have been deadly since the Middle East conflict erupted in October last year, the highest such rate anywhere in the world.

The UN health agency says 65 out of 137, or 47%, of recorded “attacks on health care” in Lebanon over that time period have proven fatal to at least one person, and often many more.

WHO’s running global tally counts attacks, whether deliberate or not, that affect places like hospitals, clinics, medical transport, and warehouses for medical supplies, as well as medics, doctors, nurses and the patients they treat.

Nearly half of attacks on health care in Lebanon since last October and the majority of deaths occurred since an intensified Israeli military campaign began against Hezbollah in the country two months ago.

The health agency said 226 health workers and patients have been killed and 199 injured in Lebanon between Oct. 7, 2023 and this Monday.