Brazilian activist urges Tunisia to free four Sumud flotilla members held since February

In August 2025, the Global Sumud Flotilla set sail from Tunisia to deliver aid to Gaza, confronting Israel's long-standing land, air and sea blockade. Four Tunisian crew members—Nabil Channoufi, Ghassan Henchiri, Ghassan Boughdiri and Wael Naouar—were initially detained by Israeli forces, then released and returned to Tunisia in October. Tunisian authorities re-apprehended them in February, accusing them of money-laundering, fraud and misuse of donation funds, and placed them in Mornaguia Prison.

Brazilian activist Thiago Avila released a video on Tuesday demanding their freedom, highlighting a seven-day hunger strike by Naouar that has caused severe health issues. The activists claim the Tunisian government is trying to suppress future flotilla missions, which have regularly used the Sidi Bou Said port. The Freedom Flotilla Coalition continues to organize aid missions despite repeated interceptions by Israeli forces.