Tunisian activist on 24-day hunger strike faces deteriorating health amid detention

Six months after Tunisian security forces arrested organizers of a pro-Palestinian flotilla, four activists remain in pre-trial detention, including Wael Naouar, who started a hunger strike on August 16. Naouar’s lawyer, Bassem Trifi, reports that after 24 days without food the activist has lost 18 kg, suffers low blood pressure, low blood sugar, breathing, walking and speaking difficulties, and severe stomach pain. The detainees are accused of money-laundering, aggravated breach of trust and forgery in a case overseen by the Economic and Financial Judicial Pole, though no convictions have been secured.

Supporters argue the investigation seeks to silence dissent and criminalise solidarity with Gaza, a claim echoed by Human Rights Watch and NGOs such as HuMENA. A court hearing is scheduled for September 16, while Naouar says he will continue his protest despite the health risks.