Tunisians hold congregational prayers

Thousands of Tunisians have publicly organized congregational prayers days after a historic revolution ousted former president Zine El Abidin Ben Ali from power.

Reports say the religious gatherings and prayers were held peacefully at mosques and open spaces in various parts of the country.

Meanwhile, some Tunisian TV channels have resumed broadcasting Adhan five times a day by cutting their continually-run programs.

Ben Ali had pursued strict anti-Islamic agenda during his rule over the North African country.

“He (Ben Ali) was against broadcasting Adhan, holding Friday prayers in mosques during his rule,” the Arabic language Al-Mofakirat Al-Islam website said in a report about religious freedom.

In an attempt to imitate the Western countries, the Ben Ali dynasty also imposed strict laws against the Islamic dress code.

The ousted president was also “bitterly opposed to hijab (Islamic dress code) and imposed a ban on many veiled Muslim women,” Al-Mofakirat Al-Islam said.

A vast majority of the country’s population is Muslims and committed to Islamic values.

Ben Ali’s 23-year of dictatorship, which was marred by repeated human rights violations and torture, ended earlier this month after weeks of street protests.