World · Africa · 1 hr ago
Protests and clashes follow deaths in several Tunisian towns
Police fired tear gas to disperse protesters in Ettadhamen, a suburb of Tunisia’s capital, after a man detained on suspicion of drug dealing died.
His family said police violence caused his death, while local media reported that he died after swallowing drugs; Tunisia’s interior ministry was not immediately available for comment.
In the southern towns of Jebeniana and Agareb, protests also led to clashes with police after another man died, with relatives saying he died during a security chase.
In Sfax, students protested the death of a female student after a heart problem, saying an ambulance took too long to arrive because medical facilities were lacking.
Students called for a strike at Sfax’s faculties on Friday, the day after the protests.
The unrest comes amid a worsening economic, social and political crisis, with anger over living conditions and public services; thousands had also protested against President Kais Saied in the capital on Saturday, accusing him of weakening democracy and mishandling the economy.
Police clashed with protesters in several Tunisian towns on Thursday after deaths that relatives or protesters linked to security forces or public services.
In Ettadhamen, a suburb of Tunis, police fired tear gas after a man detained on suspicion of drug dealing died.
The man's family said he died because of police abuse, while local media reported that he died after swallowing drugs.
Protests also followed deaths in Jebiniana and Agareb, and students in Sfax protested the death of a female student.
The unrest comes amid a deepening economic, social and political crisis and anger over living conditions and public services.
- Who
- Protesters and students, and Tunisian police.
- What
- Protests and clashes followed several deaths. Police used tear gas in some locations.
- When
- Thursday, October 22, 2026.
- Where
- Ettadhamen near Tunis, Jebiniana and Agareb in Sfax governorate, and the city of Sfax.
- Why
- Demonstrations followed deaths that relatives or protesters linked to police conduct or delays in ambulance services.
The man's family
Local media reports
Cause of death in Ettadhamen
The man's family
The family said he died because of abuse by police officers after his arrest.
Local media reports
Local media reported that he died after swallowing drugs.
Thousands of Tunisians joined a large protest against President Kais Saied in the capital.
A military court sentenced opposition politician Olfa Hamdi to four years in prison, according to Al Jazeera.
Protests and clashes took place in Ettadhamen, Jebiniana, Agareb and Sfax after several deaths.
- Ettadhamen
- A man detained on suspicion of drug dealing died.
- Jebiniana
- Relatives said a man died during a security chase.
- Sfax
- Students protested the death of a female student who suffered a cardiac problem.
- Ambulance response
- The student's colleagues said personnel took too long to arrive and cited a lack of medical facilities.
- Friday action
- Sfax University students called for a strike at the faculties.