At least 11 arrested in Tunisia after Gaza solidarity demonstration

08:01

At least 11 people have been arrested in Tunisia following a weekend demonstration calling for the release of pro-Palestinian activists detained earlier this year, according to lawyers representing some of those arrested and the activist group Maghreb Sumud.

The exact number of detainees has not yet been officially established. Lawyer Ghassen Besbes, who represents several of the protesters, told AFP that at least 11 people had been taken into custody. Maghreb Sumud put the figure at 13.

The arrests followed a demonstration held on Saturday, when hundreds of people gathered to demand the release of four activists linked to the Palestinian solidarity movement.

Investigation focuses on protest slogans

Lawyer Fedy Snene said a judge had ordered the extension of the detainees’ custody for another 48 hours.

According to Snene, investigators have focused in particular on slogans reportedly used during the demonstration. The circumstances surrounding the arrests and any potential charges remain subject to the ongoing investigation.

No official statement providing a definitive number of arrests had been issued at the time of the reports cited by the lawyers and the activist collective.

Dispute over detained flotilla activists

The demonstration was also linked to the detention of four pro-Palestinian activists arrested in March. Tunisian authorities accuse them of financial wrongdoing, alleging that funds collected in connection with preparations for the Global Sumud Flotilla were diverted.

The activists had been involved in organising the humanitarian flotilla, which sought to reach Gaza by sea and deliver aid. The Global Sumud Flotilla has rejected the allegations surrounding the arrests and called for the detainees to be released.

The case has become a focal point for Tunisia’s pro-Palestinian movement, with supporters arguing for the release of the activists and drawing attention to their legal situation.

Hunger strikes raise concern

Several of the detained activists are reportedly on hunger strike. Among them is Wael Naouar, whose health has become a particular concern.

Bassem Trifi, president of the Tunisian League for Human Rights, has warned that Naouar is in a potentially life-threatening condition, adding a human-rights dimension to the wider dispute surrounding the detainees.

The hunger strikes have intensified calls from supporters for authorities to address the situation of the imprisoned activists.

Global Sumud Flotilla and the Gaza mission

The Global Sumud Flotilla had previously made a stop in Tunisia before attempting to reach Palestinian territory by sea. Organisers said the mission sought to challenge Israel’s blockade of Gaza while delivering humanitarian assistance.

Israeli forces intercepted the vessels before they reached their destination. The activists aboard the boats were subsequently detained and expelled.

The latest arrests in Tunisia have therefore brought renewed attention to the movement and to the wider legal and political controversy surrounding activists associated with the flotilla.