Brazilian activist demands Tunisia release Sumud Flotilla organisers

Brazilian activist Thiago Avila has called for the immediate release of four Tunisian organizers of the Global Sumud Flotilla, who have been detained in Tunisia since February. The activists were part of a multinational effort to break Israel's blockade on Gaza by delivering humanitarian aid. According to reports, the four, Nabil Channoufi, Ghassan Henchiri, Ghassan Boughdiri, and Wael Naouar, were released from Israeli custody in October following their arrest during a previous flotilla mission in August 2025. However, they were rearrested in February by Tunisian counterterrorism police after announcing plans for another aid mission to Gaza. The flotilla, organized under the banner of the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, aimed to challenge Israel's restrictions on goods entering Gaza. Activists from around the world participated in these efforts, with several boats departing from the northern Tunisian port of Sidi Bou Said. In August 2025, Israeli forces intercepted the vessels, detaining those aboard before releasing them later that month. The activists returned to Tunisia in October but were soon detained again, reportedly by the National Guard's financial crimes unit. According to the Morning Star, a UK-based news outlet, the four were charged with money laundering, fraud, and misuse of funds raised through the flotilla's fundraising campaigns. Their detention has lasted over five months, with family members and fellow activists confirming their incarceration at Mornaguia Prison in Tunis. The Tunisian government has not issued any official statements regarding the case. Thiago Avila, addressing the detainees via a video message shared online, expressed concern over their prolonged detention. He noted that 170 days had passed since their arrest while organizing the Global Sumud Flotilla. Avila emphasized that the activists were engaged in a peaceful mission to support Palestinians suffering under what he described as a "genocide." He highlighted the deep connection between Tunisia and Palestine, noting that Tunisians had supported the flotilla despite difficult conditions. Avila also mentioned that Wael Naouar, one of the detainees, had begun a hunger strike lasting at least seven days. This follows a similar protest Naouar and Avila undertook during their time in Israeli custody. Reports indicate that Naouar has suffered severe health complications, including fainting spells and vomiting blood, raising concerns about his medical condition. Israel's blockade of Gaza, initiated in 2007 after Hamas took control of the territory, has been significantly tightened since October 2023, following Hamas-led attacks on southern Israel. The blockade restricts the flow of essential supplies into Gaza, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis there. The Freedom Flotilla Coalition, an international network of organizations, has conducted multiple missions to deliver aid to Gaza since 2010, including the Sumud Flotilla in 2025 and another attempt earlier this year that was intercepted by Israeli forces in April. Activists have accused the Tunisian government of obstructing these efforts, citing bans on gatherings and events related to the flotillas. The use of Sidi Bou Said port in northern Tunisia has been central to organizing these missions, drawing attention from both supporters and critics. The ongoing detention of the four organizers highlights tensions between humanitarian objectives and national security policies, particularly in contexts where such activities are perceived as challenging state authority or foreign policy interests. Tunisia's silence on the issue has left many questions unanswered, with no public explanation offered for the arrests or the charges against the activists. As the situation continues, the international community watches closely, awaiting further developments and potential responses from Tunisian officials.