Tunisia: 162 arrests after Islamists' riots

[June 13, 2012]  TUNIS, Tunisia (AP) -- Tunisian official say at least 162 people have been arrested after days of rioting in several location across the country by ultraconservative Islamists known as Salafis.

Nighttime curfews have also been imposed around the capital, as well as the cities of Sousse, Monastir, Jendouba and Ben Guerdane.

Salafis on Sunday attacked an art exhibition they deemed insulting to Islam in the Tunis suburb of La Marsa. On Monday they attacked police stations, burning several.

The art gallery has since been closed by the government, which has objected to the content.

Government spokesman Samir Dilou said in a press conference late Tuesday that 62 police were wounded in the clashes.

Tunisia has witnessed an upsurge of Salafis-inspired violence that in recent months have become violent, attacking police and judicial institutions.

[Associated Press]

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