Tunisian Court Extends Detention of Gaza Flotilla Organizers Amid Hunger Strike

A Tunisian court has extended the pre-trial detention of four organizers of the "Sumud" pro-Palestinian flotilla by four months. Wael Nawara, Nabil Shennoufi, Ghassan Henchiri, and Ghassan Boudghiri have been held in Mornaguia prison since March. The investigation centers on the financial activities of the anti-Israel campaign organizers, with suspicions including money laundering, fraud, and mishandling of donated funds. The decision was made on September 11 by an investigating judge at Tunisia's Economic and Financial Judicial Pole. The accused remain in pre-trial detention, with no verdict yet reached.

Wael Nawara, a member of the Global Sumud Flotilla's steering committee, began a hunger strike on August 16, joined by the other three detainees on September 10. According to the flotilla organizers and their lawyers, Nawara's health has significantly deteriorated during the strike, with him losing approximately 19 kilograms, requiring hospitalization, and suffering serious health issues. As of September 18, all four were reportedly continuing their hunger strike, with Nawara on his 33rd day and the others on their eighth.

In response to the detentions, Tunisian unions, the bar association, and human rights organizations are preparing a demonstration demanding the activists' release. This situation is notable given Tunisia's public support for Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank. While Tunisian civil society groups advocate for the activists' freedom, the authorities are pursuing a criminal investigation into their Gaza support campaign activities.

The defense and supporters of "Sumud" claim the case is politically motivated and deny the charges. Authorities officially state they are investigating alleged financial irregularities, including suspicious financial flows and potential misuse of donations. The four were arrested after participating in organizing events for the Global Sumud Flotilla, with Nawara having coordinated a land convoy intended to join the maritime mission. While several other activists were detained in March, some have since been released.

The ongoing hunger strike is transforming the financial investigation into a broader political and human rights issue for Tunisia. The activists, who aimed to deliver aid to Gaza as part of an international solidarity campaign, are now seeking help from within a Tunisian prison.