Rare unrest flares in Tunisian capital as police clash with protesters

Protests in several cities ​coincide with a deepening economic, social and political crisis in Tunisia.Published On 23 Oct 202623 Oct 2026Tunisian police have clashed with protesters in rare unrest in the capital city of Tunis, as well as ⁠⁠in the southern town of Jebiniana, over recent deaths linked to the police.Police forces fired tear gas on Thursday to disperse protesters in ⁠⁠Ettadhamen, a suburb ⁠⁠of the capital, following the death of a man detained on suspicion of drug dealing.Recommended Stories list of 3 itemslist 1 of 3Thousands rally for biggest protest in years against Tunisia’s Saiedlist 2 of 3Tunisia’s economic crisis deepens as the promise of a better life fadeslist 3 of 3Tunisia jails opposition politician for four years over social media postsend of listThe man’s family said he died as a result of abuse by police officers after his arrest, ‌‌calling for the circumstances of his death to be clarified and those responsible to be held accountable.Local media, however, reported that he died after swallowing drugs.Protesters blocked roads, burned tyres and threw stones at police. Security forces responded by firing tear gas while seeking ⁠⁠to secure a National Guard s...