TUNIS, Feb 5: Tunisian authorities have arrested two policemen over suspected links to the death on Friday of two civilians after a police station they were locked in caught fire, an Interior Ministry spokesman said on Saturday.

“Two policemen have been arrested at the police station on suspicion related to the incident that resulted in the death of two young men in a fire,” the spokesman said, but did not elaborate.

The incident happened in Sidi Bouzid, the town that was the starting point for unrest that forced President Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali to flee the country and inspired anti-government protests around the Arab world.

The two victims had been arrested on alcohol related charges, the official media had said.

An unemployed man from Sidi Bouzid, Mohamed Bouazizi, set himself on fire in December to protest at his mistreatment by a policeman. He later died.

His act sparked the protests that toppled Ben Ali, who fled to Saudi Arabia in January after 23 years in power.—Reuters

Opinion

Editorial

China security ties
Updated 14 Nov, 2024

China security ties

If China's security concerns aren't addressed satisfactorily, it may affect bilateral ties. CT cooperation should be pursued instead of having foreign forces here.
Steep price
14 Nov, 2024

Steep price

THE Hindu Kush-Himalayan region is in big trouble. A new study unveiled at the ongoing COP29 reveals that if high...
A high-cost plan
14 Nov, 2024

A high-cost plan

THE government has approved an expensive plan for FBR in the hope of tackling its deep-seated inefficiencies. The...
United stance
Updated 13 Nov, 2024

United stance

It would've been better if the OIC-Arab League summit had announced practical measures to punish Israel.
Unscheduled visit
13 Nov, 2024

Unscheduled visit

Unusual IMF visit shows the lender will closely watch implementation of programme goals to prevent it from derailing.
Bara’s businesswomen
13 Nov, 2024

Bara’s businesswomen

Bara’s brave women have proven that with the right support, societal barriers can be overcome.