Dozens killed in Tunisia prison fire

Dozens killed in Tunisia prison fire

2011-01-16 03:11:39 GMT+7 (ICT)

TUNIS (BNO NEWS) - About 50 people were killed on Saturday in a prison fire in the city of Monastir on Tunisia's coast, the news agency DPA reported.

Prisoners were burnt to death after inmates set their mattresses on fire, while others attempting to escape the blaze were shot by jail guards. Further details were not immediately available.

The violence in Tunisia increased after long-time president Zine el-Abidine Ben Ali fled the country after a month of protests over economic issues. He appointed Prime Minister Mohamed Ghannouchi as interim president preceding his flight on Friday. The law, however, said that the speaker of parliament should be the interim president.

Foued Mbazaa, the speaker of parliament, on Saturday morning was named interim president by the Constitutional Council. Mbaaza, according to Tunisia's constitution, is required to call for new elections within 60 days.

Looting and unrest continues to plague Tunisia. Dozens of people, according to official figures, have died in clashes.

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