Tunisia to auction Ben Ali's treasures

• Tweet

TUNIS, Tunisia, Dec. 20 (UPI) -- The Tunisian government said it will auction off art and cars Sunday that once belonged to the family of ousted dictator Zine el-Abidine Ben Ali.

Tunisia representatives said they hope to raise more than $13 million from the auction.

Middle East Online said the highlight of the auction is the former president's cars, which include a Lamborghini Gallardo LP 460.

Middle East Online said 300 jewelry items, carpets, tables, televisions and computers will be put up for sale at a hotel in Gammarth, a suburb of Tunis.

Acting Finance Minister Slim Besbes said the items belonged to Ben Ali and 114 of his relatives.

"Except [citizens] of Israel, the sale is open to everyone," Besbes said.

Besbes said the auction will be held under tight security and $20 will be charged for entry.

Middle East Online said Ben Ali now lives in exile in Saudi Arabia with his wife after fleeing during the uprisings last year.