23 Jun 2020 | 07:37 AM UTC
Tunisia: Protests continue in Tataouine on June 22 /update 3
Demonstrations continue in Tataouine for a second consecutive day; further protests likely in the near term
Event
On Monday, June 22, police utilized tear gas to disperse protesters in Tataouine as demonstrations, following the arrest of a local activist on Saturday, June 20, continued for a second consecutive day. The demonstrators responded by setting fire to tires and throwing stones at security forces, demanding the release of Tarek Haddad. Ten people were reportedly arrested during the demonstrations on Sunday, June 21, after a group of demonstrators reportedly attempted to attack a police station with Molotov cocktails.
Further protests are likely in the area in the coming days and weeks.
Context
Demonstrations have been taking place since late May in the southern city over an unfulfilled government promise from 2017 to create jobs in the energy industry. The activist Tarek Haddad, who is reportedly the spokesman for the protesters, was arrested on the night of Saturday, June 20, which sparked a new wave of unrest in the area.
Advice
Individuals in Tataouine province are advised to monitor developments to the situation, anticipate disruptions to port operations, and to avoid all public demonstrations as a precaution.
