Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Tunisian politician Chokri Belaid shot dead

 

Wednesday 06 February 2013 12:43 GMT
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

This election is still a dead heat, according to most polls. In a fight with such wafer-thin margins, we need reporters on the ground talking to the people Trump and Harris are courting. Your support allows us to keep sending journalists to the story.

The Independent is trusted by 27 million Americans from across the entire political spectrum every month. Unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock you out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. But quality journalism must still be paid for.

Help us keep bring these critical stories to light. Your support makes all the difference.

A Tunisian opposition party leader who criticised the Islamist-led government and violence by radical Muslims was shot dead outside his home today, officials said.

Chokri Belaid was targeted as he left his house in the capital, Tunis, the Unified Democratic Nationalist Party said.

Witnesses said he was taken to a nearby clinic and died.

Mr Belaid was critical of Tunisia's leadership, especially the moderate Islamist party Ennahda which dominates the government.

Government spokesman Samir Dilou called it an "odious crime".

The reason for the killing is unclear. It comes as Tunisia struggles with social and religious tensions after its long-time dictator, Zine El Abidine Ben Ali, was overthrown in an uprising two years ago that set off revolts across the Arab world.

AP

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in