(WiPC/IFEX) – The WiPC of International PEN is disturbed by reports that Zouhair Yahyaoui is not receiving adequate medical care whilst in prison. PEN also continues to be very concerned at the prison conditions of the journalist, founder of the Internet site TUNeZINE.com. Yahyaoui was sentenced to two years’ imprisonment on charges of “propagation of […]
(WiPC/IFEX) – The WiPC of International PEN is disturbed by reports that Zouhair Yahyaoui is not receiving adequate medical care whilst in prison. PEN also continues to be very concerned at the prison conditions of the journalist, founder of the Internet site TUNeZINE.com. Yahyaoui was sentenced to two years’ imprisonment on charges of “propagation of false news”, “non-authorised usage of an Internet connection” and “theft from an employer”.
Following a second hunger strike, on this occasion to protest against what he claims to be torture and ill-treatment by prison guards, Yahyaoui has reportedly been denied adequate medical care. The journalist was forced to give up his hunger strike due to severe stomach pains. He was visited by a doctor but has received no treatment for his condition. The cyber-dissident has previously suffered from acute kidney problems but it is not known if his present medical condition is related to these problems.
Since his incarceration, which began on 20 June 2002, Yahyaoui has lived in squalid prison conditions. He has had infrequent access to water, his cell has been infested by cockroaches and he has suffered from scabies. Problems of overcrowding, unbearable heat and appalling sanitary conditions are also present in the prison.
