TUNIS, Apr 21 (AGCNewsNet) – Tunisian authorities on Monday detained Ahmed Souab, a high-profile lawyer and vocal critic of President Kais Saied, in a move rights groups warn signals an intensifying clampdown on peaceful dissent.

Souab’s arrest comes days after he publicly condemned the recent trial of opposition figures, labelling it a “farce” and accusing the government of dismantling the judiciary. He had served as legal counsel to several opposition leaders who were handed lengthy prison sentences on Saturday in a controversial conspiracy case.

"It seems he was detained because of his critical comments on the trial on Friday," said Samir Dilou, one of Souab’s lawyers. Two other attorneys confirmed the arrest to Reuters.

The crackdown has sparked widespread criticism from political parties and human rights organizations, who argue that President Saied is cementing authoritarian rule by targeting dissent.

Since assuming emergency powers in 2021 and dissolving Tunisia’s parliament, President Saied has ruled by decree, dismissed the independent Supreme Judicial Council, and removed dozens of judges in 2022—moves Amnesty International describes as part of a broader effort to suppress political opposition.

“The mass conviction of dissidents...is a disturbing indication of the authorities' willingness to go ahead with its crackdown on peaceful dissent,” Amnesty International said in a statement.

Among those sentenced are top members of the opposition Ennahda party, including Vice President Noureddine Bhiri, who received a 43-year prison term. Senior party officials Said Ferjani and Sahbi Atig were each handed 13-year sentences.

Businessman Kamel Ltaif received the harshest penalty—66 years—while opposition politician Khyam Turki was sentenced to 48 years.

The detentions and harsh sentences are viewed by many as part of a larger strategy to silence critics ahead of key political milestones, with critics warning of the erosion of democratic norms in the birthplace of the Arab Spring.

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