Riot police attack Tunisian protesters

Tunisian police have targeted hundreds of protesters, who had gathered in the capital for a fourth day of anti-government rallies, with tear gas.

Sunday’s protest comes one day after authorities imposed an overnight curfew in the capital and its surrounding areas.

Sources say riot police clashed with protesters and attacked the media covering the event in central Tunis.

“The police reaction is too extreme against the people. It’s true there are criminals among the protesters, but the reaction is still too cruel. It is a return to the days of Ben Ali,” Reuters quoted a protester as saying.

The demonstrators were demanding the resignation of the transitional government and calling for a new revolution when the clashes broke out.

Tensions have been rising in Tunisia after warnings of a possible coup by those loyal to former president Zine El Abidine Ben Ali.

Ben Ali was overthrown following a popular uprising in January after 23 years in power.

He fled to Saudi Arabia as the Tunisian Revolution was gaining momentum.

The demonstrators are opposed to the new government as it still includes figures from the ousted regime.