Tunisian activist Wael Naouar in critical condition during hunger strike

Tunisian activist Wael Naouar is in critical condition following a hunger strike that has lasted more than 24 days. Naouar, a member of the Global Sumud Flotilla steering committee, began his protest on August 16 to demand his release, the release of his fellow detainees, and the dismissal of all charges against them.

His lawyer, Bassem Trifi, president of the Tunisian League for Human Rights, reported that Naouar has lost 18kg and is suffering from low blood pressure, low blood sugar, difficulty breathing, and difficulty speaking. Other reported symptoms include migraines, vomiting blood, and dizziness. Despite these medical concerns, reports indicate he has not been transferred to a hospital and only receives weekly medical follow-ups.

Naouar is being held in pre-trial detention at Mornaguia prison alongside other activists, including Ghassen Henchiri, Ghassen Boughdiri, and Nabil Channoufi. Activists and organizations like HuMENA have called for the immediate release of the detainees, arguing that criminal proceedings should not be used to punish peaceful civic engagement or solidarity with Palestine.