Zine El Abidine Ben Ali had a stroke

Thursday, February 17, 2011

Former Tunisia president Ben Ali slips into coma

Ousted Tunisian president Zine El Abidine Ben Ali had a stroke and is in a coma, according to the French newspaper Le Monde on Thursday. According to the report, the former president is in a hospital in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

"The former head of state was admitted to an institution for Saudi princes under a false identity for security reasons," the paper reported. "His condition is worrying."

Le Monde also reported that his wife, Leila Ben Ali, "is no longer at his side."

Last month, Ben Ali, 74, had fled with his family to the Saudi Kingdom, after being forced from office after over 2 decades in power.

In an interesting twist, earlier this week, Egyptian daily Al-Masry Al-Youm reported that ousted Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak, who ruled Egypt for 30 years was gravely ill and slipped into a coma. It should be noted, however, that a pro-government newspaper denied the report but said the leader was in a severe psychological condition and was declining treatment.

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