Wael Nouar is a Tunisian political activist, former student union leader and human rights defender known for his involvement in social justice movements, pro-Palestinian activism and criticism of the Tunisian authorities. He previously served as Secretary General of the General Union of Tunisian Students and later became active within left-wing political movements and the Qawem movement after leaving the Tunisian Workers’ Party in 2022. Over the years, Nouar participated in numerous demonstrations and campaigns concerning freedom of expression, social rights, police violence and support for Palestine. Tunisian authorities repeatedly targeted him through summonses, interrogations and judicial proceedings linked to his peaceful political activities. In February 2023, he was interrogated for several hours by the National Guard following his participation in protests against President Kaïs Saïed’s policies and restrictions on demonstrations. According to testimonies collected by civil society organisations, he faced accusations including disturbing public order, insulting police officers and violating protest restrictions. In late December 2023, he was again prosecuted after participating in a protest near the United States embassy in Tunis in support of Palestine, although the court later dismissed the case. In October 2024, Wael Nouar, his wife Jawaher Channa and activist Louay Khamassi were arrested following a pro-Palestinian demonstration commemorating the “Al-Aqsa Flood”. The authorities investigated them on accusations including forming a criminal group and assaulting police officers before eventually releasing them while judicial proceedings continued. Human rights organisations and activists criticised the arrests as disproportionate and politically motivated. Beyond domestic activism, Wael Nouar became one of the principal organisers of the Global Sumud Flotilla initiative supporting Gaza and advocating an end to the blockade imposed on Palestinians. In March 2026, Tunisian authorities arrested him and several other organisers linked to the flotilla in the context of an investigation into alleged financial irregularities concerning donations collected for pro-Palestinian initiatives. Authorities reportedly accused the group of money laundering, fraud and misappropriation of funds. Supporters and rights groups denounced the arrests as part of broader pressure targeting pro-Palestinian mobilisation and dissent in Tunisia. Reports also indicated that he and other activists were subjected to extended detention and repeated interrogations during the investigation. As of the latest available information, Wael Nouar remains subject to ongoing judicial proceedings linked to his political activism and his involvement in pro-Palestinian solidarity initiatives.