Hundreds Protest in Tunisia for Release of Jailed Gaza Flotilla Activists
Hundreds of people marched through the Tunisian capital on Saturday demanding the release of four pro-Palestinian activists held in connection with a financial investigation linked to the Global Sumud Flotilla, which sailed towards Gaza in 2025 with the stated aim of delivering humanitarian aid.
The activists — Wael Naouar, Nabil Channoufi, Ghassen Boughdiri and Ghassen Henchiri — have been in pre-trial detention since March. Tunisian authorities accuse them of financial misconduct, including alleged misuse of funds raised for the flotilla. They have not been convicted.
The protest came days after a court extended their pre-trial detention by another four months.
The case has drawn strong criticism from the activists’ lawyers, rights groups and supporters, who reject the allegations and say the proceedings are being used to suppress pro-Palestinian activism. Tunisian authorities maintain that the case concerns financial irregularities under investigation.
The detainees’ health has also become a growing concern. Naouar began an open-ended hunger strike on August 16, while the other three joined the protest on September 9, according to supporters. Activists say his condition has deteriorated significantly.
The Global Sumud Flotilla has repeatedly called for the activists’ release and described the arrests as a departure from Tunisia’s longstanding public support for the Palestinian cause. The organisation says its campaign is a non-violent humanitarian effort focused on Gaza.
The demonstration underscores growing tensions in Tunisia over the treatment of activists and civil society groups, while the judicial investigation into the alleged financial offences remains ongoing.
