Injuries reported in protest over student deaths in central Tunisia

TUNIS, Tunisia / ISTANBUL

Injuries were reported in protests in Tunisia's central city of Mezzouna following the death of three students in a school wall collapse, witnesses said on Thursday.

Security forces used teargas canisters to disperse the protesters, who gathered on Wednesday night to protest the marginalization of their city by the government, the witnesses said.

Several people were injured in the protest, including two who were transferred to hospitals in the nearby city of Sfax for medical attention, they added.

There was no immediate comment from the Tunisian authorities on the report.

Demonstrations erupted in Mezzouna in Sidi Bouzid province in recent days, after a school wall collapsed, killing three students. Protesters accuse the government of neglecting their city.

“Protesters and civil society members call on the government to achieve fair social and economic development to revitalize the city,” said Walid Al-Jadd, a Tunisian activist.

Tunisian President Kais Saied has expressed his deep sorrow over the student deaths and vowed to bring those responsible to accountability.