Tunisian Protesters Demand Release of Four Sumud Activists

On Sept. 19, 2026, protesters marched in Tunis from the Tunisian National Journalists’ Union headquarters to Avenue Habib Bourguiba with Tunisian and Palestinian flags and portraits of four detainees, demanding their release and an end to the case. Days earlier a court had extended by four months the pre-trial detention of Wael Naouar, Ghassen Henchiri, Ghassen Boughdiri and Nabil Channoufi, held since March 2026 over alleged financial irregularities linked to Global Sumud Flotilla fundraising. The four and their supporters deny wrongdoing. Naouar started an open-ended hunger strike on Aug. 16; the other three joined on Sept. 9. On the protest sidelines Ghassen Bouaazi told Al Jazeera Naouar had been striking about 35 days, his health had deteriorated considerably, he had lost more than 20 kg, and “There is now a real danger threatening him.” Bouaazi called the accusations “dubious claims,” said the detention was “part of a broader campaign targeting political figures, rights advocates and journalists,” described “a judicial system that is not independent and is subject to the executive branch’s monopoly,” and said “We demand that the authorities close this case once and for all.” Protesters chanted “No fear, no terror, the street belongs to the people.” The Global Sumud Flotilla called the action a “troubling departure from Tunisia’s long history of public solidarity with the Palestinian people.” Former UGET members issued a Tuesday release demand; Nidhal Khadraoui said Henchiri still needs recommended surgery. Outlets differed on whether dozens or hundreds took part. No authority withdrawal of the allegations is reported.