Tunisia prominent critic released from prison
Tunisian government frees Ahmed Souab, a lawyer who's been serving a five-year jail term
An episode of the Focus on Africa podcast, hosted by BBC World Service, titled "Tunisia prominent critic released from prison" was published on February 25, 2026 and runs 22 minutes.
February 25, 2026 ·22m · Focus on Africa
Summary
In this episode, we look at what the release of lawyer Ahmed Souab means for freedom of expression and the people of Tunisia. The Tunisian lawyer and critic of he current government, has been serving a five-year sentence after warning that judicial independence in Tunisia was collapsing. His detention sparked anger among political and civil groups who saw it as part of a wider crackdown on dissent.We also explore the myths, mysteries, and cultural significance of the Argungu Fishing Festival in Kebbi State, Nigeria. After a six-year break, some 50,000 fishermen gathered at the Matan Fada River, each determined to catch the biggest fish.Presenter: Nkechi Ogbonna Producer: Ayuba Iliya Technical Producer: Herbert Masua Senior Producers: Bella Twine and Blessing Aderogba Editors: Samuel Murunga and Maryam Abdalla
Episode Description
In this episode, we look at what the release of lawyer Ahmed Souab means for freedom of expression and the people of Tunisia. The Tunisian lawyer and critic of he current government, has been serving a five-year sentence after warning that judicial independence in Tunisia was collapsing. His detention sparked anger among political and civil groups who saw it as part of a wider crackdown on dissent.
We also explore the myths, mysteries, and cultural significance of the Argungu Fishing Festival in Kebbi State, Nigeria. After a six-year break, some 50,000 fishermen gathered at the Matan Fada River, each determined to catch the biggest fish.
Presenter: Nkechi Ogbonna Producer: Ayuba Iliya Technical Producer: Herbert Masua Senior Producers: Bella Twine and Blessing Aderogba Editors: Samuel Murunga and Maryam Abdalla