Higher education minister received 'death threats'

Moncef Ben Salem has denied claims that he is taking home 2 salaries Tunisia Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Moncef Ben Salem, has claimed that he has received death threats as part of a systematic smearing campaign. During a parliamentary session at Tunisia's National Constituent Assembly (NCA) on Saturday, Ben Salem countered allegations that he is taking home a double salary, as both a government minister and deputy of the NCA.
The government official called on NCA President Mustapha Ben Jaafar to clarify the matter to the house.
The minister argued that his finances were restructured when he took over the portfolio of the Ministry of Higher Education.
Ben Salem also explained that the ministry did not pull out of its agreement with the professors of higher education, with respect to the increase in wages, adding that agreement has to be approved by the Ministry of Finance and Prime Minister Ali Larayedh.
Meanwhile, a group of tutors at a secondary school in Tunis have protested against the authorities after one of their colleagues was subject to verbal and physical violence by one of his students.
Lessons were temporarily called to a halt at the institution in the governorate of Ariana as teachers gathered in the courtyard to show solidarity with their fellow professional.
In a similar incident, staff at a preparatory school in the northern town of Fernana, Jendouba governorate went on a one-day strike after the school principal was violently attacked by one of the student's parents.
The protesters called on the authorities to provide greater protection for teachers and education officials.