Tunisia found itself in the biggest political turmoil since 2011 as the President ousted the government. Some fear gains of the revolution are at stake.
Defying movement restrictions aimed at reining in spiralling novel coronavirus infections, students and activists have flocked to a key boulevard in Tunis, shouting slogans against poverty, corruption and police repression.
The protesters have made no clear demands in demonstrations, which authorities described as riots, held in some 10 cities around the country.
During his era, Ben Ali's photograph was displayed in every shop, school and government office from the beach resorts of the Mediterranean coast to the impoverished villages and mining towns of Tunisia's hilly interior.
The deaths of 12 women travelling to work in an inappropriate vehicle in the village of Sabbela provoked a wave of anger among Tunisians.
His critics still welcome the ouster of Tunisia's President Zine el Abidine Ben Ali in the first of a series of uprisings in the Arab region in 2011. But economic woes have left many, especially young people, feeling the revolution is only half-won.
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