Tunisians Demonstrate to Show Support for the Interior Ministry

Over 2000 Tunisians gathered today, January 11th, in front of the Ministry of the Interior to express support for Ali Larayedh, the new Interior Minister, and call for extensive reformation of the security apparatus.

This recent wave of support focused particularly on the Interior Minister’s decision to transfer Moncef Laajimi - the General Director of Security Units – who has been accused of issuing orders to fire upon protesters in Kasserine and Thala during the revolution. Slogans were chanted and signs were raised calling for the implementation of security reforms. Demonstrators sang the national anthem, and cried, “Dégage,” (leave) to the remnants of the old regime.

“We are here to show support for the government. Larayedh’s decision was brave and we salute him for that,” said one of the protesters.

Another protester expressed his anger towards Moncef Laajimi; “Laajimi did not show any respect to families of the martyrs and the wounded of the Revolution. That is not acceptable.”

“This government is legitimate. The majority voted for them and we should give them a chance and let them do their job. We are here to protect our choice and stand against corruption,” said Halima Maalj, a member of the National League for the Protection of the Revolution.

Demonstrators held signs that read,  ”People will be safe only when security units respect the law,” “No voice is louder than legitimacy’s voice,” and, “Yes for holding those who killed the martyrs accountable.” Some demonstrators were holding brooms, symbolizing the need to “cleanse” the security units.

The press attaché of the ministry of interior, Hichem Meddeb, did not reveal the reasons behind the decision to transfer Laajimi. However, Laajimi’s retention of his position, in spite of his alleged involvement in the martyr’s case, has lead to widespread public discontent.