Tunisian flotilla activists remain jailed as hunger striker worsens

Tunis, Tunisia – Six months after Tunisian authorities began arresting organisers of a pro-Palestinian flotilla, four activists remain in pre-trial detention, with growing concern over the health of one of them, who has been on hunger strike for more than three weeks.Wael Naouar, a Tunisian activist and member of the steering committee of the Global Sumud Flotilla, began his hunger strike on August 16 to protest his continued detention.His lawyer, Bassem Trifi, who is also president of the Tunisian League for Human Rights (LTDH), said on Tuesday that Naouar was entering his 24th day without food and described his condition as “very serious”.Trifi, who visited Naouar in prison last week, said the activist had lost 18kg (40lb) and was suffering from low blood pressure and low blood sugar, as well as difficulty breathing, walking and speaking. He was also experiencing pain throughout his body, particularly in his stomach, Trifi said.Anis Harrathi, an activist and member of the committee supporting the detainees, said Naouar was aware of the physical risks of a prolonged hunger strike, but had chosen to continue because he believed remaining silent was more perilous than continuing his...