Tunisian Activist Hospitalized After 39-Day Hunger Strike
Wael Naouar is in critical condition after losing significant weight while protesting his detention in Tunisia.
Key points
- Wael Naouar is in critical condition after a 39-day hunger strike in a Tunisian jail.
- He and three others face charges of misusing funds for the Gaza flotilla.
- Authorities have refused to disclose his medical status to his family and lawyers.
Wael Naouar, a Tunisian activist, has been hospitalized as his hunger strike reaches day 39. He is protesting his detention and the charges against him and three colleagues.
Bassem Trifi, head of the Tunisian League for Human Rights, described Naouar’s condition as critical. According to Al Jazeera English, he is reportedly on the verge of death.
Critical health condition reported
Naouar lost more than 20kg during his protest. His lawyer says he suffers from pain throughout his body. He has also experienced fainting and difficulty breathing.
The Gaza Sumud Flotilla states that authorities are refusing to share information with his family. This lack of transparency has increased concern among his supporters.
Financial misconduct charges alleged
Naouar and three others were arrested in March. They face accusations of misusing funds for the Global Sumud Flotilla. None have been convicted of any offence yet.
The activists remain in pre-trial detention. A judge recently rejected their appeal against extending this detention. They are accused of suspicious financial flows.
Protests and government response
At least 11 people were arrested during a recent protest. They demanded the release of the jailed activists. The Tunisian government denies these prosecutions are political.
President Kais Saied asserts that freedoms are guaranteed and the judiciary is independent. Human Rights Watch has documented what it calls the weaponization of investigations against activists.
