Conflicting Reports Over Detentions After Tunis Protest for Gaza Flotilla Activists

At least 11 people were reportedly arrested in Tunis after taking part in a protest calling for the release of four jailed pro-Palestinian activists linked to a Gaza-bound humanitarian flotilla, according to lawyers.

Activists gave a higher figure, saying at least 13 people had been detained. Tunisian authorities had not confirmed the arrests or clarified the number of people held.

Protesters demand release of activists

Hundreds of people took to the streets of the Tunisian capital to demand the release of the four activists. The campaign is connected to the Sumud Flotilla, which tried to sail to Gaza in 2025 to deliver aid.

The four activists were arrested in March on charges of misusing funds raised for the flotilla. Tunisian authorities also allege that they laundered money during their involvement with the initiative. Those allegations remain attributed to the authorities.

The Sumud Flotilla has denounced the arrests and repeatedly called for the activists to be released.

Health concerns raised

The flotilla said the detained activists’ health was deteriorating after they began a hunger strike. One of the activists was also reportedly in critical condition, although that report was not attributed to a named person or organisation.

The differing accounts from lawyers and activists mean that the exact number of people detained remains unclear. No official confirmation of the reported arrests had been issued by Tunisian authorities.