Health Concerns Rise for Tunisian Activist on Hunger Strike Amid Ongoing Detention

In Tunisia, the plight of four pro-Palestinian activists continues to deepen as they remain in pre-trial detention, with alarming developments surrounding Wael Naouar, who is now in his fourth week of a hunger strike. The activists were arrested six months ago, and their case has drawn widespread attention and concern.

Naouar’s Hunger Strike and Deteriorating Health

Wael Naouar, a prominent member of the Global Sumud Flotilla steering committee, initiated his hunger strike on August 16 to protest his detention. His lawyer, Bassem Trifi, has reported that Naouar's condition is critical after 24 days without food. He has lost 18 kilograms (40 pounds) and is suffering from several health issues, including low blood pressure, low blood sugar, and difficulty breathing. Trifi described Naouar's situation as “very serious,” highlighting the physical toll the strike is taking on him.

Legal Context and Allegations

The arrests of Naouar and three other activists, Nabil Channoufi, Ghassan Henchiri, and Ghassan Boughdiri, stem from an investigation ordered by Tunisia's Economic and Financial Judicial Pole, focusing on alleged “suspicious financial flows” related to the flotilla. Although three activists were released, the remaining four have yet to be formally charged. Trifi argues that their fundraising efforts were part of a solidarity campaign rather than illicit financial activity.

Broader Implications and Support for Activists

Supporters contend that the ongoing detentions are politically motivated attempts to stifle dissent and criminalize solidarity with Palestine. Anis Harrathi, an activist supporting the detainees, emphasized that Naouar's hunger strike is a stand against a system that seeks to silence opposition. The Global Sumud Flotilla has condemned the allegations as baseless, calling for the immediate release of the activists.

International observers, including Human Rights Watch, have criticized Tunisia's treatment of civil society, noting a pattern of legal actions aimed at repressing activists. The situation continues to unfold under President Kais Saied’s government, which has faced accusations of undermining democratic freedoms since consolidating power in 2021.

Source: www.aljazeera.com