Union strike leads to bloody clashes, 30 wounded

A demonstrator throws stones at security forces Clashes continued in the Siliana province of north-west Tunisia between demonstrators and security forces. 30 people were wounded, two of which are reportedly in critical condition. Protesters were demonstrating against the lack of job opportunities in Tunisia and demanded that the governor step down. This came after the General Union of Tunisian Workers organised a strike on Tuesday amidst demands for the resignation of Siliana's governor Ahmad Zein Mahjoubi. The union said the strike was a success even in the face of the “Excessive use of force” by security forces. On Wednesday the founder of the Siliana National Council Iyad Dahmani started a hunger strike in further protest. In response to demands for his resignation, Mahjoubi said the government is the only body authorized to hold him accountable for his actions and claimed: "The stones used by protesters as weapons against police were imported stones, not stones from Siliana."
Prime Minister Hammadi Jebali is reportedly concerned by the unstable situation in Siliana particularly with attacks on police and destruction of public property. He said the public had the right to voice their opinions and concerns, but in peaceful ways. Jebali also stated that governor Mahjoubi implemented development programs in the region and is a great asset in the improvement of his citizen's standard of living. "People in Siliana need to be calm in the face of rising tension," the Prime Minister said.