Dozens of protesters took to the streets of Tunis on Saturday, September 19, demanding the release of four activists from the Global Sumud Flotilla who have been detained since March.
The demonstration came amid growing concerns over the health of the detainees, particularly Wael Naouar, who has been on an open-ended hunger strike for more than a month.
The protesters marched from the headquarters of the Tunisian National Journalists’ Union to Avenue Habib Bourguiba in central Tunis, carrying Tunisian and Palestinian flags as well as photographs of the four detainees.
The activists — Wael Naouar, Ghassen Henchiri, Ghassen Boughdiri and Nabil Channoufi — are being held as part of an investigation into alleged financial irregularities connected to fundraising for the Global Sumud Flotilla, according to Tunisian state media citing judicial sources.
A court recently extended their pre-trial detention by another four months.
The four activists and their lawyers deny any wrongdoing, while supporters have accused the authorities of targeting civil society activists and political dissent.
Health concerns over hunger striker
Naouar began an open-ended hunger strike on August 16 to protest his detention, while the other three detainees reportedly joined him on September 9.
Ghassen Bouaazi, a member of the National Committee for the Defence of Sumud Flotilla Activists, said Naouar’s health had deteriorated seriously after about 35 days without food.
According to Bouaazi, Naouar has suffered repeated fainting, breathing difficulties and hallucinations and has lost more than 20 kilograms.
He called on the Tunisian authorities to end the case and release the detainees, while holding the government responsible for their safety.
Supporters also said that Ghassen Henchiri urgently needs surgery following complications from an injury he sustained while previously detained in Israel. They said the procedure has not been carried out despite a prison doctor recommending it.
Wider concerns over civil society
The case has emerged amid wider criticism from rights groups over what they describe as shrinking space for civil society and political dissent in Tunisia.
Human Rights Watch has accused Tunisian authorities of increasingly using financial, anti-money-laundering and counterterrorism laws against civil society figures and activists. It has also raised concerns about prolonged pre-trial detention and the independence of the judiciary.
The government of President Kais Saied has rejected accusations that the judiciary is being used to silence opponents, maintaining that the courts are independent and that legal proceedings are being conducted according to the law.
The Global Sumud Flotilla is an international campaign that sought to challenge Israel’s blockade of Gaza and deliver humanitarian aid to Palestinians.
Supporters of the four detainees have called for their immediate release and vowed to continue mobilising until they are freed.
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