Riots: More than 300 arrests during protests in Tunisia

Demonstrations, violence, looting: In Tunisia, many people have once again gone against the government's policies on the streets. The Prime Minister was campaigning for understanding.

Riots: More than 300 arrests during protests in Tunisia

In Tunisia, re have been clashes between demonstrators and police on third night in a row. In night of Thursday alone, police arrested 328 people nationwide, said a spokesman for Ministry of Interior. They would have damaged public or private property or were involved in looting. Some would also be accused of arson or construction of road blockades. In total, more than 600 people have been arrested since beginning of protests.

The protest is directed against rising cost of living and government's austerity policy. In norrn Tunisian town of Siliana, according to news agency AFP, young people at night were accused of security forces with stones and Molotov cocktails. The police put on tear gas. In Kasserine, in centre of country, young demonstrators lit tyres to block roads. They threw stones at police.

In suburbs of capital city of Tunis, police again used tear gas. Videos that are on social networks can be seen, as some masked people built and lit roadblocks, and cleaned up supermarkets. Similar scenes were played in Sidi Bouzid and in Tebourba west of capital.

High unemployment, high sovereign debt

At beginning of protests, Prime Minister Youssef Chahed had asked for an understanding of increase in spread. The situation is exceptional and country has problems. "But we believe that 2018 will be last difficult year for Tunisians," said Chahed. The move would help stabilize economy. Later, Chahed accused criminal networks and opposition politicians of inciting riots.

After 2011 revolution, Tunisia had initiated far-reaching democratic reforms. The state is considered to be model country of so-called Arab Spring. However, economic problems are far-reaching: unemployment is high, almost every third university graduate finds no suitable employment. The national debt has risen to almost 70 percent of gross domestic product. Islamist organisations are trying to benefit from situation, which in turn deters investors.

Date Of Update: 12 January 2018, 12:03
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