By Iqbal Jassat
Urgent: Wael Naouar’s Life Is at Risk, Release the Sumud 4
I am addressing this open letter on behalf of Media Review Network (MRN) to raise urgent concern for the life of Wael Naouar, a member of the Global Sumud Flotilla’s Steering Committee, and for the continued detention of his colleagues Nabil Channoufi, Ghassen Henchiri, and Ghassen Boughdiri.
Mr. Naouar began a hunger strike in El Mornaguia prison on August 16 to protest his prolonged pretrial detention, and reports on his condition describe frequent fainting, acute respiratory distress, dangerously low blood sugar, and vomiting containing blood.
I respectfully and urgently ask that he be granted immediate, specialized, independent medical evaluation and treatment.
Mr. Naouar and his three colleagues have now been held for nearly six months, arrested in March 2026 for their work organizing the 2025 launch from Sidi Bou Said port and mobilizing support for the 2026 Global Sumud Flotilla mission.
I request that any further review of their detention be conducted with full transparency and due process. There is no basis for a further extension of what is already a prolonged period of pretrial custody.
Tunisia has a long and well-known record of standing with the Palestinian people. I make this appeal in that same spirit: our colleagues stood with Palestine, and we’re committed to standing with them.
I call upon the Tunisian government to extend to Mr. Naouar and his colleagues the same humanity Tunisia has long asked the world to extend to Gaza.
I respectfully request that you convey the following to the appropriate authorities in Tunis: the immediate and unconditional release of Wael Naouar, Nabil Channoufi, Ghassen Henchiri, and Ghassen Boughdiri, and urgent, specialized medical treatment for Mr. Naouar without further delay.
That all charges against the Sumud 4 and their co-organizers be dropped. That the movement and political restrictions currently imposed on previously released Global Sumud Flotilla participants be lifted.
I have signed the international petition calling for the release of the Sumud 4, hosted at Avaaz.org, and I want to make sure your office is aware it exists and is growing by the day.
It reflects a wide and active public concern that I hope will inform how this case is handled.
I welcome any information your office is able to share on the steps being taken to safeguard Mr. Naouar’s health and on the requests outlined above.
Iqbal Jassat
Executive Member
Media Review Network
Johannesburg
South Africa