TUNIS, Tunisia
A Tunisian student was arrested for storming a stadium and waving the Palestinian flag during a 2026 World Cup qualifier in the capital Tunis, the country’s student union said on Tuesday.
In a statement, the General Tunisian Union of Students (UGTE) said the student was taken into custody after tearing down banners supporting Israel at the Rades Stadium during Monday’s football match between Tunisia and Malawi.
“The student then waved the Palestinian flag in a show of solidarity with the Palestinian cause,” it added.
The union condemned the arrest as “a violation of freedom of expression and the right to take a firm and clear stance regarding national and humanitarian issues.”
It reiterated support for all rallies in support of the Palestinian cause.
Tunisians shared a video on social media on Monday of a young man while storming the stadium, waving the Palestinian flag and removing a French trademark accused of supporting Israel from the stadium.
There was no immediate comment from the Tunisian authorities on the incident.
