A protest took place in central Tunis on Saturday as activists and supporters called for the immediate release of four members of the Global Sumud Flotilla. The demonstrators, numbering in the dozens, marched from the headquarters of the Tunisian National Journalists’ Union to Avenue Habib Bourguiba, displaying flags and portraits while chanting slogans critical of government policies and calling for an end to legal proceedings against the detainees.
Wael Naouar, Ghassen Henchiri, Ghassen Boughdiri and Nabil Channoufi have been held in detention since March while under investigation for alleged financial irregularities related to fundraising activities for the flotilla. A court recently extended their pre-trial detention by an additional four months. The detainees and their legal representatives have denied any wrongdoing, with supporters characterizing the case as part of a broader suppression of civil society and political dissent.
Health concerns have intensified as Naouar initiated an open-ended hunger strike on August 16, followed by the three other detainees joining the protest action on September 9. According to committee members, Naouar has experienced significant physical decline including fainting episodes, breathing difficulties, hallucinations, and substantial weight loss exceeding 20 kilograms. Additionally, one detainee requires surgical intervention that has not been performed despite medical recommendations.
Supporting organizations and former government officials have characterized the prosecution as an attempt to criminalize solidarity with Palestinians and as evidence of judicial dependence on the executive branch. International human rights organizations have documented concerns about Tunisia’s use of financial and counterterrorism legislation against civil society figures, alongside broader restrictions on political space. Government officials maintain that judicial proceedings follow established legal procedures and that the judiciary operates independently.
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