Arbitrary apprehension of Professor Ahmed Souab

The Transgender Coalition in Tunisia is following with deep concern the systematic restriction of public and individual freedoms, most notably freedom of expression and opinion. These freedoms are currently facing renewed forms of repression under a repressive legal framework that empties them of their substance by framing them as "incitement" or "terrorism."

In this context, we strongly condemn the arbitrary arrest of Professor Ahmed Sawab, the lawyer and former judge, due to his political and media statements and positions.

This suspension is not isolated, but rather comes within the context of a systematic attack on independent and free voices, and on anyone who dares to question the authoritarian system, which reproduces violence in various forms: legal, media, and security. Moreover, this incident is no exception in light of the escalating security and judicial rhetoric and attempts to subjugate the judiciary and undermine public space.

As a queer coalition that believes in freedom, dignity, and social justice, we consider the criminalization of free expression and its labeling as terrorism to be a dangerous deviation from the principles of the rule of law and an indicator of a profound crisis in the relationship between the authorities and society.

We express our full solidarity with Professor Ahmed Sawab, and with all journalists, activists, and lawyers who are being persecuted for their opinions. We affirm that the struggle for freedom of body, identity, and dignity is inseparable from the struggle for freedom of speech and opinion.