Tunisian Islamist leader returns

Rachid Ghannouchi went into exile in London in 1989

The leader of Tunisia’s main Islamist movement has returned home after 22 years in exile following the ousting of President Ben Ali earlier this month.

More than 1,000 people were at the main airport in Tunis to welcome Rachid Ghannounchi as he arrived from London.

Mr Ghannouchi, 69, says his Ennahda party intends to work for the popular uprising that toppled Mr Ben Ali.

Observers say his return is the most potent symbol yet of the change that has swept the country since then.

His return follows the interim government’s announcement that media curbs would be lifted, banned political parties allowed to register and political prisoners amnestied.

Alongside his supporters was a small group of secularists with banners reading: “No Islamism, no theocracy, no Sharia and no stupidity!”, Reuters news agency said.

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