Thousands attend pro-government rally in Tunisia

Pro-government protesters in Tunisia said they took to the streets Sunday to support what they saw as the nation's legitimate leadership. Crowds estimated to be in the thousands rallied in central Tunis in a show of support for the Islamist Ennahda party, which has been under fire for the July 25 slaying of an opposition leader, the BBC said. The crowd chanted "We defend the legitimacy of the government" and "Ennahda will not back down" amid a heavy police presence. Opposition groups said they planned counter-demonstrations. Prime Minister Ali Larayedh issued an appeal for calm and national unity. He urged protesters to stay off the streets so Tunisian security agencies "combat terrorism and not waste its efforts on protests."