Kathmandu— A Brazilian activist, Thiago Avila, has demanded the release of four Tunisian organizers of the Global Sumud Flotilla, who have been held in Tunisia since March. The activists were part of a flotilla that attempted to break Israel's blockade on Gaza and deliver humanitarian aid last year. After being detained by Israeli authorities, they were released and returned to Tunisia but were rearrested by Tunisian 'counterterrorism' police in February.

Activists' Detention Details

The four activists—Nabil Channoufi, Ghassan Henchiri, Ghassan Boughdiri, and Wael Naouar—are being held in Mornaguia Prison for more than five months. They were initially detained by the Tunisian National Guard financial crimes unit on allegations of money laundering, fraud, and misuse of funds collected through flotilla campaign donations. Avila expressed concern over the prolonged detention, stating that it has been 170 days since their arrest.

Hunger Strike and Health Concerns

Wael Naouar is currently on a hunger strike for at least seven days, which has led to fainting spells and vomiting blood. Avila noted that he and Naouar had also undertaken similar actions while held in Israeli detention last year. The Brazilian activist emphasized the critical medical condition of his colleague.

Background on Gaza Blockade

Israel has imposed an air, land, and sea blockade on Gaza since 2007 to prevent supplies from entering the enclave after Hamas took control. This blockade was intensified in October 2023 amid Israel’s war with Hamas. The Freedom Flotilla Coalition, an international network of organizations, has launched multiple missions to Gaza since 2010 to deliver humanitarian aid.

(With inputs from Al Jazeera)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.