Tunisian anti-terror court detains lawyer amid growing opposition
3 Min Read
Prominent Tunisian lawyer Ahmed Swab had been detained by an anti-terror court following criticism of the judiciary, sparking protests and accusations of escalating repression against the opposition.
-
Relatives of convicted opposition figures protest outside the court in Tunis, Tunisia, on April 21, 2025 (AFP)
A Tunisian anti-terrorism judge has ordered the detention of prominent lawyer Ahmed Souab, following his arrest over comments criticizing the judiciary, according to reports from Reuters.
The arrest has sparked widespread condemnation from political parties and civil society organizations, who view the move as part of a broader crackdown on opposition voices in Tunisia.
Souab’s detention has led to protests in the streets, with activists demanding his release. Opposition groups described the arrest as "a dangerous escalation in the crackdown against the opposition" and "another step in entrenching authoritarian rule in the country."
Anti-terror court interprets criticism as threat
Ahmed Souab, known for defending key opposition figures, had recently criticized judicial proceedings in a case known as the "conspiracy against state security." Several opposition leaders were sentenced in this case last Saturday.
Souab described the trial as "a farce" and claimed that "judges are under extreme pressure, with knives held to their heads."
The anti-terror court considered these remarks a threat against judges. However, Souab’s lawyers argued that his comments referred to "the immense political pressure on judges" rather than any direct threat.
The court charged Souab with "terrorism-related offences" linked to his remarks.
Opposition claims growing authoritarianism
In response to the court's handling of the case, Souab's legal team boycotted the latest hearing after being informed that only four of the many lawyers present would be allowed to represent him.
Souab is seen as a key figure in defending opposition leaders who have increasingly come under pressure from the current Tunisian authorities.
In response to Souab's arrest, demonstrators marched peacefully through Tunis's main avenue, long associated with political mobilization, calling for his release and denouncing what they described as a deepening authoritarian trend under President Saied.
Read more: Tunisia opposition figures get prison terms after mass trial
Mass protests erupt in Tunisia
Several political parties have rejected the mass sentencing and the arrest of Souab, describing them as retaliatory acts meant to suppress dissent and consolidate executive control.
Protesters gathered in central Tunis on Monday to denounce the arrest of prominent lawyer and former judge Ahmed Souab, a move widely seen as part of Tunisia's broader crackdown on dissent. The demonstrations, held on Avenue Habib Bourguiba, featured chants against President Kais Saied and calls to halt the ongoing harassment of opposition voices.
The protests reflect growing concern over the use of anti-terror laws to target critics of the government and the erosion of judicial independence in Tunisia since Saied's 2021 power grab, when he suspended parliament and began ruling by decree.
