Wael Naouar, one of four Tunisian activists detained in connection with the Flottille Soumoud case, announced on September 23 that he was suspending his 38-day hunger strike. The decision came at the request of his family and defense committee, who were concerned about his deteriorating health. Naouar had been on hunger strike since August 16, and his condition had sparked fears among his supporters.
The four activists, including Naouar, Ghassen Henchiri, Ghassen Boughdiri, and Nabil Chennoufi, were detained in March as part of an investigation into financial irregularities related to the Flottille Soumoud. The probe, launched on March 6, focuses on suspicious financial flows linked to the organization. Authorities are investigating the origin and use of funds, as well as possible embezzlement.
The investigation, led by the Economic and Financial Judicial Pole, targets several alleged crimes, including forgery, use of falsified documents, escrow, aggravated breach of trust, and money laundering. The defense team for the activists disputes the allegations, arguing that the financial transactions in question were related to the financing of solidarity activities and preparations for the Flottille.
On September 11, the investigating judge extended the pre-trial detention of the four activists by four months. The Tunis Court of Appeal's indictment chamber subsequently upheld this decision, confirming their continued detention as part of the investigation. Naouar's suspension of his hunger strike comes as the judicial process continues and the four Flottille members remain in detention.
In addition to announcing the end of his hunger strike, Naouar called on his fellow detainees, Henchiri, Boughdiri, and Chennoufi, to also halt their own hunger strikes. The four men are being held pending further investigation into the financial dealings of the Flottille Soumoud. Their detention has sparked concerns among supporters and human rights groups.
The case has garnered significant attention in Tunisia, with many questioning the legitimacy of the charges against the activists. The Flottille Soumoud is a humanitarian initiative aimed at providing support to the Palestinian people. The organization's activities have been widely recognized and praised by human rights groups and supporters across the region.
The decision to suspend his hunger strike was made in consideration of his family's and defense committee's concerns for his health. Naouar's case highlights the ongoing tensions between authorities and activists in Tunisia, particularly with regard to freedom of expression and assembly.
Key points
- Wael Naouar ends 38-day hunger strike
- Four Tunisian activists detained in Flottille Soumoud case
- Investigation into financial irregularities ongoing
