The Washington Center for Human Rights (WCHR) unequivocally condemns the arbitrary detention and imprisonment of renowned Tunisian lawyer and ex-judge Ahmed Souab, who has been jailed on trumped-up charges of terrorism in response to his condemnation of the politically motivated “conspiracy case” trial recently. His imprisonment marks a worrying development in the government of Tunisia’s crackdown on freedom of expression, fair trial guarantees, and judicial autonomy.
Ahmed Souab was apprehended on April 21, 2025, by Tunisia’s anti-terrorism brigade mere days after outspokenly condemning procedural violations in the trial of the so-called “conspiracy case.” The trial convicted 37 opposition figures, human rights defenders, and lawyers with excessive prison sentences between 4 and 74 years in a process deemed a sham by international observers. Souab, who is representing two of the defendants, characterized the court hearings as a “farce” and raised violations of due process at a systemic level.
Authorities misunderstood his remarks as threatening the presiding judge, prompting an investigation into terrorism-related charges including “forming a terrorist organization” and “threatening to commit terrorist crimes.” He was refused access to lawyers and family members for 48 hours following arrest and has been transferred to Mornaguia prison on a six-month pre-trial detention order. The judicial process against him remains ongoing with serious due process concerns.
The Washington Center for Human Rights demands the immediate and unconditional release of Ahmed Souab and the dismissal of all charges against him. His detention is part of a larger effort by Tunisian officials to intimidate attorneys, silence dissenting voices, and break judicial independence.
Additionally, the WCHR calls on Tunisian authorities to drop charges in the “conspiracy case” and revoke any unfair decisions.
- Stop using anti-terrorism laws to make free speech illegal right now.
- In accordance with the UN Basic Principles on the Role of Lawyers, stop harassing and intimidating legal practitioners.
- Ensure that all trials adhere to international fair trial standards and that the court is independent.
President Kais Saied’s public declarations discrediting judicial impartiality and condemning detainees as guilty prior to trial should be outrightly condemned. Tunisia should reaffirm the rule of law and international human rights standards, specifically those relating to legal defense and due process.
WCHR stands in support of Tunisia’s judiciary and appeals to the international community to press Tunisian officials to reverse this ominous course of repression and to re-establish fundamental freedoms and judicial integrity.