Brazilian Activist Calls for Release of Tunisian Flotilla Organizers

A Brazilian activist has called for the release of four Tunisian organizers of the Global Sumud Flotilla, who have been detained in Tunisia since March. The flotilla aimed to break the Israeli blockade on Gaza to deliver humanitarian aid. Activists from various countries participated in the flotilla, which launched in August 2025, but was intercepted by Israeli authorities, leading to the detention of those on board. The four organizers—Nabil Channoufi, Ghassan Henchiri, Ghassan Boughdiri, and Wael Naouar—were previously released from Israeli custody in October but were rearrested by Tunisian authorities in February after announcing a new mission to deliver aid to Gaza. Brazilian activist Thiago Avila expressed concern for their well-being in a video message, noting that they have been held for 170 days. Reports indicate that the Tunisian National Guard's financial crimes unit detained the activists on allegations of money laundering, fraud, and misuse of funds related to flotilla donations. They are currently held in Mornaguia Prison, with no public comment from the Tunisian government. Avila mentioned that Wael Naouar has been on a hunger strike for over seven days, experiencing severe health issues. The blockade on Gaza, imposed by Israel in 2007, restricts the entry of essential supplies. The Freedom Flotilla Coalition has conducted multiple missions to Gaza since 2010, including the recent Sumud Flotilla, which faced interception by Israeli forces in April. Activists have accused the Tunisian government of attempting to prevent future flotilla missions and limiting related gatherings.