Protests Erupt After Killing of Opposition Tunisian Politician

Assassinated Tunisian opposition politician Muhammad Brahmi's daughter Balkis (center) holds a Tunisian flag as she mourns his death in Tunis on July 25.

The killing of a Tunisian opposition politician has sparked protests by thousands against the Islamist-led government of the North African country.

Muhammad Brahmi was shot dead by two gunmen in the capital Tunis on July 25.

Crowds of protesters gathered outside the Interior Ministry in the capital later that day, and also in the central city of Sidi Bouzid, where Brahmi was born.

Demonstrators set fire to the offices of the ruling Ennahda party in a nearby town.

Tunisia's largest trade union announced a general strike for July 26.

Brahmi was a vocal critic of the Islamist-led government.

The United States and UN human rights chief Navi Pillay condemned his killing and called for a thorough investigation.

Brahmi's murder was the second assassination of an opposition politician this year.


Based on reporting by Reuters and dpa