Tunisian activists and political parties have organised a demonstration in the centre of Tunis to mark the eighth anniversary of the assassination of politician Chokri Belaid.
Witnesses told the media that riot police imposed a cordon around the city centre, and prevented cars and many people from entering the streets around Habib Bourguiba Street, as hundreds began gathering.
Chants also escalated during the protest to calls for reform of Tunisia’s economic conditions, and for the release of those arrested during last month’s protests against deteriorating living conditions. Calls were also made for accountability, freedom, and “toppling the regime”.
Earlier on Saturday, Belaid’s brother renewed his accusation that the Ennahda movement was involved in the assassination.
He called on all Tunisians dissatisfied with the current situation in the country to participate in the march.
The demonstrators affirmed their adherence to uncovering the whole truth about the assassination, and demanding that all involved parties involved should be held accountable.
The centre of Tunis witnessed tight security measures, with a security cordon imposed at the entrances to Habib Bourguiba Street.
Belaid was assassinated on 6 February 2013, in front of his home, at the age of 49. His assassination was followed by the July 2013 assassination of Mohamed Brahmi, a representative from the National Constituent Assembly.
Both constituted a milestone in the history of Tunisia after the fall of the regime of the late President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali. Such was the depth of emotions following the assassinations, that they led to divisions within Tunisian society and an exchange of accusations between political parties, and paved the way to the Ennahda taking power.
