• Running battles amid extreme violence from police. Protesters being chased on to rooftops. This is turning very, very bad. Gunshots are now ringing around us and in the other sidestreets around interior ministry.
• Guardian reporter Angelique Chrisafis • Tweeting about the scene in Tunisia, where violent protests have led to the country’s dissolution. At least 23 people have died, many shot by police, since the protests began a month ago. Another 12 died in Tunis and Ras Jebel last night alone. The president, Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali, promised that police would leave protesters alone, and that he would resign office by 2014. “I understand the Tunisians, I understand their demands,” he said. “I am sad about what is happening now after 50 years of service to the country, military service, all the different posts, 23 years of the presidency.” He’s been in office since 1987. Protesters, upset about the poor economic situation, want him to step down immediately. source

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