March in Tunisia calls for better security

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TUNIS, Tunisia, Feb. 24 (UPI) -- Demonstrators Sunday called for answers in the slaying of a Tunisian opposition leader.

An estimated 3,000 marchers hit the streets of downtown Tunis to protest delays in the Islamist-led government investigation into the death of Chokri Belaid, the head of the United Democratic Nationalist Party who was gunned down in front of his home in the upscale Menzah 6 neighborhood on Feb. 5.

"The people want whoever killed Belaid," was the chant raised by the marchers, Tunisia Live said.

The march, which was not officially sponsored by the opposition, took place in the immediate aftermath of the resignation Friday of Prime Minister Hamadi Jebali and his replacement by former Interior Minister Ali Laarayedh, whom critics blame for a deterioration of security in the North African nation.

Tunisia Live said government authorities last week seized a cache of weapons in a Tunis suburb, stoking jitters among the public. There have been multiple weapons seizures in recent weeks in Tunisia.

"We want more security," a protester identified as Abir told Tunisia Live. "How could (Belaid) have been killed outside his home in a place like Menzah 6. Where did all these arms come from?"