TUNIS, 19 January 2021, (TON): Army has been deployed in Tunis after protesters burned down a regional national security headquarters near the Algerian border to challenge hike in prices and taxes continued nationwide. As a result of the protests over moribund economy, police in Tunisia say they have arrested more than 600 people as a fourth night of violent protests.

Crowds of young demonstrators gathered again in Tunis, the centre of the capital, throwing stones and petrol bombs at the police.

Security forces responded with tear gas and water cannon.

Third of Tunisia’s young population is unemployed as the country had been facing severe economic crisis which got worsen during the pandemic. 

The latest unrest has come after exactly 10 years since the Tunisian revolution ushered in democracy and instigated the Arab Spring revolts across the region and led to disappointments regarding jobs and opportunities.

The clashes were reported on Monday outside Tunis in the cities of Kasserine, Gafsa, Sousse and Monastir.

The interior ministry spokesperson, Khalid Hayouni said that the majority arrested were the minors who had been detained over acts of vandalism and looting.

"This has nothing to do with protest movements that are guaranteed by the law and the constitution," Mr. Hayouni said. "Protests take place in broad daylight without any criminal acts involved."