Wael Naouar suspends 38-day hunger strike in Tunisia

Tunisian activist Wael Naouar has announced the suspension of his hunger strike after 38 days. Naouar, who was detained alongside fellow Al-Soumoud Flotilla organizers Ghassen Henchiri, Ghassen Boghdiri, and Nabil Chennoufi, began the protest to demand the dismissal of charges involving alleged financial misconduct and misuse of donated funds.

Naouar stated his decision was a response to urgent pleas from his family and defense committee due to his deteriorating health, as well as calls from civil society organizations and political forces. He emphasized that suspending the strike does not signify a renunciation of his struggle or his demands. He also called on his fellow activists to end their hunger strikes to preserve their health.

Naouar gained international attention for his role in the Global Sumud Flotilla, an initiative aimed at delivering humanitarian aid to Gaza by attempting to break the Israeli naval blockade. While the Tunisian government denies that the prosecutions are politically motivated, lawyers for the activists argue they are being targeted due to their popularity and activism.