RismadarVoice Reporters
September 10, 2026
Four Tunisian activists linked to the Global Sumud Flotilla remain in pre-trial detention six months after their arrest, with growing concerns over the health condition of one of them who has been on hunger strike for more than three weeks.
Wael Naouar, a Tunisian activist and member of the flotilla’s steering committee, began refusing food on August 16 in protest against his continued detention.
His lawyer, Bassem Trifi, who is also the president of the Tunisian League for Human Rights, said Naouar’s condition had become critical after 24 days without food.
Trifi said the activist had lost about 18 kilogrammes and was experiencing low blood pressure, low blood sugar, difficulty breathing, and challenges with walking and speaking.
Anis Harrathi, a member of the committee supporting the detained activists, said Naouar was aware of the health risks associated with a prolonged hunger strike but chose to continue his protest because he believed remaining silent posed a greater danger.
The activists’ supporters said the hunger strike was aimed at protesting what they described as attempts to suppress pro-Palestinian solidarity activities and civil activism.
Seven activists were initially detained in March over the investigation, but three have since been released. Those still held are Naouar, Nabil Channoufi, Ghassan Henchiri, and Ghassan Boughdiri.
The case is being investigated by Tunisia’s Economic and Financial Judicial Pole over allegations involving suspicious financial transactions linked to organisers of the Global Sumud Flotilla.
Authorities are investigating the source and use of funds raised for the flotilla and whether any money was diverted for purposes unrelated to the initiative.
Naouar’s lawyer said the allegations include money laundering, aggravated breach of trust, and forgery, but argued that the fundraising activities were part of a solidarity campaign rather than ordinary financial operations.
Supporters of the detained activists have rejected the allegations, describing the case as an attempt to criminalise support for Palestinians and efforts to organise another flotilla towards Gaza.
Human rights groups have also raised concerns over prolonged pre-trial detention and what they describe as increasing pressure on civil society organisations in Tunisia.
The activists are expected to appear in court on September 16, while Naouar’s hunger strike enters its fourth week despite his worsening health condition.
