Tunis protesters demand release of four Sumud activists as hunger strike health fears grow
The four activists’ pre-trial detention has been extended by four months, with supporters warning that one detainee’s health has seriously deteriorated.
Dozens of people protested in Tunis on Saturday, demanding the release of four Global Sumud Flotilla activists whose pre-trial detention was extended by four months.
The activists — Wael Naouar, Ghassen Henchiri, Ghassen Boughdiri and Nabil Channoufi — have been held since March as part of an investigation into alleged financial irregularities linked to fundraising for the flotilla. They and their defence team deny wrongdoing.
The demonstration followed reports from supporters that all four detainees are on hunger strike. Naouar began his strike on 16 August, while the other three joined on 9 September, according to supporters and the Global Sumud Flotilla.
Ghassen Bouaazi of the National Committee for the Defence of Sumud Flotilla Activists told Al Jazeera that Naouar had repeatedly fainted, experienced breathing difficulties and hallucinations, and lost more than 20 kilograms. The claims have not been independently verified.
Supporters also say Henchiri urgently needs surgery after complications from an earlier injury sustained during his detention in Israel. They say the procedure has not been carried out despite a prison doctor’s recommendation.
The Global Sumud Flotilla sought to challenge Israel’s blockade of Gaza and deliver humanitarian aid. The case has drawn wider scrutiny from rights groups concerned about Tunisia’s shrinking civic space, prolonged pre-trial detention and judicial independence. The government rejects claims that the judiciary is being used to silence opponents.
