TUNISIA HUMAN RIGHTS:
Protest ban causes violent uproar

4/23/2012 4:22:43 AM
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TUNIS - Thousands of centre-left demonstrators violently clashed with police in street battles that completely shut down central Tunis last week. Scores of people were left seriously injured. - The demonstration began in the morning of Apr. 9 and was attacked almost immediately by police wielding truncheons and tear gas guns. The uniformed police were supported by masked young men in plain clothes (generally known in Tunisia as "militia") who also enthusiastically attacked protesters and journalists with sticks and stones. The demonstrations were organised by several political parties, unions and human rights groups. The trouble started when the Tunisian government, which is dominated by the moderate Islamist party Ennahda, justified its ban on all demonstrations late last month, by painting it as an effort to ‘maintain order’ on the eve of the economically vital summer tourist season here. However, the centre-left opposition saw this ban as a blatant attack on political freedom. After a small protest against unemployment was violently crushed by police on Apr. 7, the opposition began organising a massive protest to challenge the ban and the government. Due to extensive public backlash, the government withdrew the protest ban. Recent polls have indicated that the Tunisian government is still popular, but facing increasing challenges. (END/RADIO BULLETIN EDITOR/2012)

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