Minister fired and curfew imposed as Tunisia protests grow

Police and protesters clashed in the centre of Tunis yesterday, leaving one man dead and bringing unrest to the government's doorstep after nearly a month of deadly demonstrations that pose the most serious challenge ever to the president's two decades of iron rule.

The government imposed a curfew overnight, a highly unusual move in the generally stable North African country. Pledges by the president to subdue rioters and create jobs have done little to dissipate public fury over unemployment and corruption.

Several European governments warned holidaymakers about travelling to Tunisia, whose safe image, beaches and historical sites draw millions to the country each year, making tourism the mainstay of the small nation's economy.

The protests, mainly led by the young and unemployed, started in mid-December following the suicide of fruit seller Mohammed Bouazizi, 26, after police confiscated his produce because he did not have the necessary permit. They have since gathered in momentum.

Yesterday's clashes in Tunis broke out soon after the interior minister was fired, a move that intensified a sense of uncertainty and questions about what is next for autocratic president Zine El Abidine Ben Ali, 74 - questions that have never been openly posed during his time in power.

Police have repeatedly shot at demonstrators, who have set fire to buildings and thrown stones at police. The government says 23 people have died; unions say the toll is at least 46.

The upheaval has ravaged the nation's reputation as a stable Muslim nation and highlighted its inability to provide opportunities for its young. Tunisia, a French protectorate until independence in 1956, has seen steady economic growth, but many young people can't find jobs and feel they have few prospects for the future.

There has been no indication that militant Islamists, whom Mr Ben Ali has consistently claimed threaten the nation, have had a role in the riots.

Germany's government issued a statement warning about the "danger of kidnapping and attacks" in Tunisia. Spain issued a travel warning urging its citizens to avoid the internal part of Tunisia and to be careful in tourist areas along the coast.

Tunisia's prime minister, Mohamed Ghannouchi, announced the firing of interior minister Rafik Belhaj Kacem, and said that most prisoners arrested during the riots were being freed. He said official Ahmed Friaa would replace Mr Kacem.

In a statement, Mr Ghannouchi also announced the creation of two commissions which would investigate "excesses committed during the troubles" and "the question of corruption and faults committed by certain officials".

The reference to "excesses" may relate to the handling of rioters in certain towns.The majority of the dead were killed in three days of unrest, from Saturday to Monday, in the central town of Kasserine.

The statement also said the two houses of parliament would be called to an extraordinary session today for an "open debate" on measures announced on Monday by Mr Ben Ali that include a promise to create 300,000 jobs over two years, particularly meant to benefit university graduates.

Mr Ben Ali, himself a former interior minister, grabbed power 23 years ago in a bloodless coup. Human rights groups in Tunisia and abroad have long criticised the country's lack of freedoms.