Tunisian journalist Tawfiq Ben Brick, protesting against alleged government harassment, has ended a six-week hunger strike.

The news was broken by his family in Paris, where he was sent for medical treatment.

"I feel well," Mr Ben Brick said from hospital.

He began his protest after the Tunisian authorities seized his passport and accused him of defaming the country's institutions.

Mr Ben Brick was allowed to fly to France, but continued his fast to highlight the plight of his brother, Jelal, who was jailed for three months in early May for allegedly assaulting police.

Brother released

A Tunisian appeals court set Jelal free on Monday, shortly after his brother ended his hunger strike.

A ruling is expected later this week on whether the sentence will be suspended or whether Mr Zhoghlami will be acquitted entirely.

Mr Ben Brick, a correspondent in Tunisia for the French daily La Croix, said on Friday that he would end the strike to coincide with his brother's appeal court appearance.

He hailed the outcome as a "new victory for militant Tunisia" and paid homage to "anonymous Tunisians and all those who fight" for freedom.

"Tunisia has emerged from its lethargy," he said.

The ruling was met with a loud cheer in the courtroom.

The two brothers' cases have attracted international attention, and the hearing was attended by members of the European parliament, diplomats, international journalists and human rights activists.