Protesters have clashed with security forces in Tunisia after the death of a Tunisian journalist.
Journalist Abderrak Zorgui set himself on fire and died on Monday from injuries, police said.
He was protesting the economic problems in the North African nation. AP reports that Zorgui’s death led to agitations from Tunisians.
The Police attempt to crackdown on the protesters led to clashes. The country’s interior Ministry spokesperson Sofiane Zaag said on Tuesday that six police officers have sustained injuries.
There are also reports of several arrests as a result of the protest which is fast spreading across the country.
Abderrak Zorgui prior to his death posted a video online expressing frustration over the economic situation in his country.
He called for revolt saying he was not happy with the outcome of Tunisia’s 2011 Arab uprising.
Abderrak Zorgui, the Tunisian journalist who killed himself to protest economic problems in his country, said, “I will demonstrate on my own and I will set myself on fire” pic.twitter.com/Q5lhXoDOx3
— TicToc by Bloomberg (@tictoc) December 25, 2018
The Tunisian National Journalists’ Union is also calling for demonstrations and strikes in response to Zorgui’s death.
In 2011 a street vendor also set himself on fire over lack of jobs, corruption and repression. It led to nationwide protests resulting in the toppling of then president, Zine El Abidine Ben Ali in 2011.
Economic crisis
Tunisia entered into a serious economic crisis after the overthrow El-Abidine Ben Ali.
The country has struggle to implement economic reforms that could help create jobs and cut public deficits.
Reducing budget deficit in Tunisia has been a challenge and the country needs $3 billion in foreign loans this year alone.
Source: Africafeeds.com
