Tunisian President Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali has dismissed the country’s government and ordered elections for a new parliament within six months.The move comes after weeks of protests over corruption, unemployment and high food prices.
They culminated earlier in thousands of people protesting outside the interior ministry in the capital Tunis, urging the president to quit.
Police fired tear gas at the crowds outside the interior ministry.
On Thursday night, Mr Ben Ali, who has governed Tunisia since 1987, announced he would stand down in 2014 – but the protesters say he should go immediately.
Doctors say that 13 people were killed in overnight clashes in the capital, and there are unconfirmed reports that five people have been killed in protests on Friday outside the capital.
Human rights groups say more than 60 people have died in recent weeks as unrest swept the country and security forces cracked down on the protests.
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