In a significant development, a Tunisian court ruled against the provisional release request of Ahmed Souab, a prominent lawyer facing anti-terror charges, citing concerns regarding his health. Souab's legal team and family have expressed alarm over his deteriorating health since his imprisonment began in April of last year, which is seen as part of a broader government crackdown on political dissent. The court's decision came during an appeal trial that has been postponed to February 23, leaving many supporters fearful for Souab's well-being in custody.

Souab, who is also known for his advocacy for human rights, was previously detained after alleging that fellow judges were pressured by the government to administer harsh sentences in a controversial mass trial targeting political critics of President Kais Saied. Last October, he was sentenced through an expedited process, which lasted less than two minutes, to five years in prison. This swift sentencing has drawn criticism from various human rights organizations and sparked further concerns about judicial independence in Tunisia.

The international community has reacted to Souab's case, with figures like UN Special Rapporteur on human rights defenders Mary Lawlor highlighting the implications of his detention for civil liberties in Tunisia. The refusal to grant provisional release on health grounds raises questions about the treatment of political prisoners and the state's commitment to uphold human rights, as Souab's situation continues to draw scrutiny both domestically and globally.