Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Police and protesters clashed in the centre of Tunis yesterday, prompting the government to impose a night-time curfew in the region.
Prime Minister Mohamed Ghannouchi also sacked his Interior Minister in an apparent bid to calm tensions after more than three weeks of demonstrations, which reached Tunis for the first time yesterday. Hundreds of protesters, infuriated by unemployment and corruption, emerged from a souk and hurled stones at police. Officers responded with volleys of tear gas, driving the protesters to disperse into adjoining streets. Stores in the area were shuttered, while armoured military vehicles were posted at key points.
It was not clear whether there were any injuries or arrests. Police have in the past shot at demonstrators. According to the government, 23 people have died since the unrest began. Unions and witnesses put the toll at 46 or higher. The protests have posed the most serious challenge to President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali's two decades of iron-fisted rule and the government appeared keen to quell tensions.
As well as sacking Interior Minister Rafik Belhaj Kacem, Mr Ghannouchi said most prisoners arrested during the riots were to be freed.
The protests started in December after a young man tried to kill himself, and quickly spread.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments