Tunisian police on April 29 fired tear gas at hundreds of Islamists protesting in the capital. Heavy security surrounded the demonstrators, protesting what they said were offensive comments toward Islam by two teachers. Protesters chanted “God is Great,” and carried banners including one reading “We do not pardon those who insult the prophet.” After a couple of hours of peaceful protest, some of the demonstrators sought to take on police, who immediately fired tear gas.
The demonstrators gathered after Friday prayers on Avenue Bourguiba, site of sustained protests earlier this year against unemployment, corruption and repression that eventually brought down longtime President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali.