Tunisian Protesters Rally for Release of Detained Activists

On September 20, protesters marched from the Tunisian National Journalists’ Union (SNJT) headquarters to Avenue Habib Bourguiba in central Tunis, demanding the release of four political activists: Wael Naouar, Ghassen Henchiri, Ghassen Boughdiri, and Nabil Channoufi. The activists have been in pre-trial detention since March, with a court recently extending their detention by another four months amid an investigation into alleged financial irregularities related to fundraising for a flotilla.

The activists and their defense team deny any wrongdoing, while supporters argue that the case is part of a broader crackdown on civil society and political dissent. Wael Naouar, a member of the flotilla’s steering committee, began an open-ended hunger strike on August 16, and the other three joined him on September 9.

Ghassen Bouaazi, a member of the National Committee for the Defence of Sumud Flotilla Activists, reported that Naouar's health has significantly deteriorated, citing symptoms such as fainting, difficulty breathing, hallucinations, and significant weight loss.