News / Africa

Tunisians Rally Against Interim Government

A Tunisian policeman wears a red armband showing solidarity with the demonstrators in Tunis, Tunisia, 22 Jan 2011
A Tunisian policeman wears a red armband showing solidarity with the demonstrators in Tunis, Tunisia, 22 Jan 2011
TEXT SIZE - +

Thousands of Tunisians, including some police officers, have marched in the capital to protest against the new interim government.

Saturday's rally in Tunis was one of the almost daily protests that have taken place since the ouster of former President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali earlier this month.  However, dozens of police force members joined demonstrators in an unusual show of solidarity.

Protesters have been calling for the ouster of all government officials with ties to the former president.  On Friday, Prime Minister Mohamed Ghannouchi said  he would quit politics after the new government comes to power.  The prime minister served under Mr. Ben Ali.

The unrest erupted in December over discontent with high unemployment and food prices.  The government said earlier that at least 78 people had been killed in the violence.  U.N. officials have said the death toll may be as high as 100.

Saturday's demonstration took place as the nation marked the second day of a three day mourning period for those killed in the unrest.

Video of Tunis protests by VOA's Rod James

View the timeline of historical events in Tunisia

Some information for this report was provided by Reuters.

NEW: Follow our Middle East reports on Twitter
and discuss them on our Facebook page.

You May Like

Russia Cracks Down on Gay Activism

Arrest of 30 activists coincided with first-ever gay rights rally in neighboring Ukraine, which was allowed by authorities, protected by police More

In Hong Kong, Beef Over Sammy Kitchen's 3D Cow

Much to the dismay of restaurant owner Sammy Yip, authorities have turned an inhospitable eye toward his giant cow looming over Queen's Road West More

Cambodian Documentary Wins Cannes Prize for Innovative Cinema

In 'The Missing Picture', Rithy Panh uses clay figurines to tell story of Khmer Rouge brutality More

This forum has been closed.
Comments
     
There are no comments in this forum. Be first and add one

Featured Videos

Your JavaScript is turned off or you have an old version of Adobe's Flash Player. Get the latest Flash player.
Your JavaScript is turned off or you have an old version of Adobe's Flash Player. Get the latest Flash player.
Video

Video Volunteers Help Revive LA's Concrete River

The Los Angeles River is a concrete drainage channel through much of its 80-kilometer length. It channels waste-water from storm drains and has become a receptacle for much of the city's trash. But as Mike O'Sullivan reports, the river is slowly being restored with the help of volunteers, who take part in an annual clean-up.