Brazilian activist Thiago Avila has demanded that Tunisia release four Tunisian colleagues linked to the Global Sumud Flotilla, saying they have been detained after organising humanitarian missions to Gaza.
The four men — Nabil Channoufi, Ghassan Henchiri, Ghassan Boughdiri and Wael Naouar — were released by Israel in October 2025 after being detained during an earlier flotilla mission, activists said. Tunisian activists said the men were rearrested in February after announcing a new mission.
What activists say about the detention
The four have been held at Mornaguia Prison in Tunis for more than five months, according to family members and fellow activists. In March, the UK-based Morning Star reported that Tunisia’s National Guard financial crimes unit had detained them over allegations of money laundering, fraud and misuse of funds collected through flotilla campaign donations.
Tunisia’s government has not publicly commented on the case. Activists have also accused the government of trying to stop flotillas that have used the Sidi Bou Said port in northern Tunisia to organise, as well as banning gatherings and other events connected with the missions.
Avila raises concern over Naouar’s health
In a video message posted on social media on Tuesday, Avila said Naouar had been on hunger strike for at least seven days. He said Naouar had fainted, vomited blood and was in a critical medical condition, while describing the detention as punishment for peaceful solidarity with Palestinians.
The Global Sumud Flotilla brought together activists from multiple countries on dozens of boats in August 2025, seeking to deliver aid to Gaza. Israeli forces intercepted that mission and detained those aboard. Organisers launched another flotilla in 2026, which was intercepted by Israeli forces in April.
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