Four killed in renewed protests in Tunisia

 Even three weeks after the fall of the Tunisian head of state Ben Ali, the situation remains tense in the North African country. On Saturday, in protests against the Police Commissioner for Kef in the northwest of the country according to eye witnesses and trade unions at least four people were killed. Members of the EU Parliament who are currently in Tunisia called for an explanation of the incident.

Hundreds of people gathered in front of the prefecture Kef and demanded the dismissal of the local police chief Ghazouani for abuse of authority. The situation escalated when the police chief slapped a protester. Residents of the city then went to police headquarters and set it on fire. As demonstrators Ghazouani hunting made, only to withdraw, according to a union representative, Jamii el Rabhi, his gun and fired at his pursuers. Two people had died immediately. Police had given warning shots and tear gas to break up the crowd.

Unions, two seriously injured later died demonstrators. Bouguera union representatives said it had killed four people and around 15 others injured. Ghazouani was reportedly arrested after the incidents and brought the night to Tunis. In his house, weapons and large amounts of alcohol had been discovered, which is probably contraband, said Bouguera. On Sunday the situation in the city was calm.

The Spanish EU Parliamentarians Salafranca, head of a delegation of parliamentarians who dwells in four days in Tunisia, said in Tunis that the incident was "worrying". The blame for the deaths of four people identified and should be brought to justice.

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