Thousands of lawyers across Tunisia on strike

TUNIS — Thousands of lawyers in Tunisia went on strike Thursday, a week after a police crackdown on demonstrations they staged in support of protestors against unemployment in the tightly-controlled country.Trade unionists said strikes, protests, even attempted suicides also took place in other parts of the country.In a related development, police arrested a rapper and two bloggers, their families and friends announced, but could not say why or where they were being detained.The strikes come amid growing unrest following the death of a jobless 26-year-old university graduate who had set himself alight last month in the central town of Sidi Bouzid to protest his lack of opportunities."Ninety-five percent" of the country's 8,000 lawyers across the country answered the strike call issued by the national council of their order, Bar president Abderrazak Kilani told AFP."No incidents were recorded in the regions, nor in Tunis," he said. "The lawyers show that they can respond wisely and responsibly."In Tunis, lawyers in robes gathered at the main courthouse on Bab Bnet Avenue, where a strong force of police stood guard but did not intervene.The national council had called the strike after lawyers across the country staged actions on New Year's Eve in support of residents of Sidi Bouzid, a centre of mass protests against unemployment since December 19.The council last week condemned the "unprecedented" use of force to "silence the lawyers who are determined to defend freedom of expression and the rights of Sidi Bouzid and other regions that are devoid of jobs and dignity."Lawyers were "beaten, chased and insulted" in Tunis, Grombalia, Sousse, Monastir, Mahdia, Gafsa et Jendouba. One lawyer had his nose broken and another had an eye seriously injured, the council said.Members of the Constitutional Democratic Rally (RCD) led by President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali opposed the strike."This has nothing to do with the Bar's defence. It is a means to gain political ends" in the context of social unrest, said pro-governme

Add comment

Nick
Content

Submit