Tunisia: Student arrested for waving Palestinian flag at world cup qualifier

A Tunisian student was arrested for storming the Rades Stadium during a 2026 World Cup qualifier between Tunisia and Malawi on Monday March 24, after he tore down banners supporting Israel and waved the Palestinian flag in protest.

According to the General Tunisian Union of Students (UGTE), the student was taken into custody following the incident, which they described as an act of solidarity with the Palestinian cause.

The UGTE condemned the arrest, calling it a violation of freedom of expression and the right to express firm stances on national and humanitarian issues. The union reiterated its support for rallies advocating for Palestine, adding that the student’s actions were part of a larger movement against Israel’s actions in Gaza. A video shared on social media showed the young man removing a French trademark allegedly linked to support for Israel while waving the Palestinian flag.

Tunisia has witnessed several protests condemning Israel’s actions in Gaza, where over 50,000 people have been killed since October 2023. The arrest comes amidst heightened tensions in the region, with the Israeli army launching an aerial campaign in March 2025, and ongoing legal proceedings against Israeli officials for war crimes and crimes against humanity.