TUNIS – Tunisia said Wednesday it had issued an international arrest warrant for ousted president Zine El Abidine Ben Ali, who resigned this month amid protests against his regime and fled to Saudi Arabia.
The justice ministry said Ben Ali, his wife Leila Trabelsi and other members of his once all-powerful family were accused of illegally acquiring assets and transferring funds abroad during the veteran leader’s 23-year regime. The announcement came as tensions mounted in the north African state ahead of a critical cabinet shake-up expected to be announced on Wednesday, amid clashes in Tunis at a protest calling for a clean break with the old regime.
Riot police tear-gassed protesters who have been rallying in the main government quarter in Tunis for four days after some of them tried to force a barrier, while security forces sealed off the area with barbed wire. An AFP reporter saw some 200 protesters throwing stones at police. Protesters are calling for figures linked to Ben Ali’s regime to be removed from the new government and for his powerful RCD party to be disbanded.
US President Barack Obama said in a speech on Tuesday that in Tunisia “the will of the people proved more powerful than the writ of a dictator.” “And tonight, let us be clear: the United States of America stands with the people of Tunisia, and supports the democratic aspirations of all people.”
