Protesters swelled the streets of Tunis on Saturday (September 7) as tens of thousands turned out to renew demands that the Islamist-led government step down and end a political deadlock threatening the nation’s young democracy.
Saturday’s unrest marked four weeks since opposition politician Mohamed Brahmi was killed. His widow, Mbarka, was among the protesters, claiming the action to be the only way to avenge her husband’s death.
“Just as you killed the martyr of the people, Mohamed Brahmi, in the arms of his daughters and his son, we will assassinate you with our civilised way and civic way, that will kill you vein after vein,” she said.
Waving red and white national flags and pictures of the murdered opposition leader, protesters packed the streets around a building in which a national assembly had been drafting a new constitution until work on it was suspended amid fears the building could come under attack.
The protests took on a symbolic tone, with many protesters painting their hands red. One protester explained: “This is a metaphor for the current government, one of assassinations and blood — that’s why I’ve dyed my hands red. This is not a legitimate government.” Opposition supporters have also embarked on a hunger strike and are planning sit-ins from Monday.
After talks failed to end the stand-off this week, Tunisia’s opposition Salvation Front – a mix of leftists and traditional parties including leaders who once served under ousted President Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali – threatened to intensify protests against Ennahda.
“We have to put more pressure on the government so they step down. There is no other solution,” said Jilani Hammami, an opposition member. “If we wait for Ennahda, then they will carry on for two months and keep on with their programme.”
