Tunisian Court Sentences Prominent Saied Critic to Five Years

Ahmed Souab, a former administrative judge and outspoken critic of Tunisian President Kais Saied, was sentenced to five years in prison by a Tunisian court following a brief trial. Souab was convicted on charges related to his criticism of the judiciary, specifically his remark describing judges as working under severe political pressure, which authorities characterized as threatening. His defense and supporters argue that the sentence reflects a broader crackdown on dissent and undermining of judicial independence under Saied's rule, which has seen the dissolution of parliament and the dismissal of numerous judges. The case is part of a wider pattern of prosecutions targeting opposition figures, human rights activists, and civil society organizations, fueling concerns over authoritarianism and the erosion of democratic institutions in Tunisia. President Saied denies accusations of authoritarianism, asserting his actions are aimed at cleansing corruption and traitors. International rights groups and opposition leaders condemn the use of anti-terrorism courts to silence criticism and restrict freedom of expression.