Tunis Protesters Demand Release of 'Sumud Four' as Hunger Strike Sparks Health Alarm

Dozens of demonstrators marched in central Tunis on September 19, 2026, calling for the release of four activists linked to the Global Sumud Flotilla and expressing alarm over the deteriorating health of one detainee who has been on a prolonged hunger strike.

March and Demands

The march began outside the Tunisian National Journalists' Union (SNJT) and proceeded along Avenue Habib Bourguiba, with participants carrying Tunisian and Palestinian flags and portraits of the four detainees. Protesters chanted calls for the charges to be dropped and for an end to what they described as political repression, including slogans such as "No fear, no terror, the street belongs to the people" and "Down with the president's repression."

Tunisian protesters gather in Tunis calling for the release of four Global Sumud Flotilla activists, amid growing concern over the health of a detainee on hunger strike, on September 19, 2026 [Ghaya Ben Mbarek/Al Jazeera]

Detention, Court Ruling and Hunger Strike

A Tunisian court recently extended the pre-trial detention of Wael Naouar, Ghassen Henchiri, Ghassen Boughdiri and Nabil Channoufi by four months. Judicial sources cited by state media say the four have been held since March while investigators probe alleged financial irregularities tied to fundraising for the flotilla; the activists and their lawyers deny wrongdoing.

Naouar, a member of the flotilla's steering committee and a former secretary-general of the General Students Union (UGET), began an open-ended hunger strike on August 16 to protest his detention. Supporters say the other three joined the strike on September 9. According to supporters and campaign statements, Naouar has lost more than 20kg (about 44lb) and suffered fainting spells, breathing difficulties and hallucinations.

The demonstration came after a Tunisian court extended the pre-trial detention of four Global Sumud Flotilla activists by another four months, in Tunis on September 19, 2026 [Ghaya Ben Mbarek/Al Jazeera]

"Wael Naouar has been on hunger strike for about 35 days and his health has deteriorated considerably," Ghassen Bouaazi of the National Committee for the Defence of Sumud Flotilla Activists told Al Jazeera. He warned there is a real danger to Naouar's life and held President Kais Saied's government politically, legally and morally responsible for any harm to the detainees.

Broader Context

Supporters and rights groups describe the prosecutions as part of a wider campaign to curb civil society and silence dissent in Tunisia. Human Rights Watch has documented increasing use of financial, anti-money laundering and counterterrorism laws against activists and organisations, and has criticised President Saied for concentrating power since 2021, weakening parliament and undermining judicial independence.

Former student leaders and trade union figures have urged student, union and civil society groups to mobilise around the detainees and called for their immediate release. Supporters say Ghassen Henchiri is in urgent need of surgery after complications from an earlier injury sustained while detained in Israel, but that the recommended procedure has not been carried out.

Authorities' Response

Tunisian authorities reject accusations that the judiciary is being used to silence opponents, saying legal proceedings follow the law and that the judiciary is independent. Government officials have not commented publicly on specific health details reported by supporters.

The case has drawn both national protests and international attention, with campaigners warning that prolonged pre-trial detention and alleged use of financial crime legislation against activists raise broader concerns about civic space in Tunisia.