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The ITUC has reported that there has been serious political unrest recently in Tunisia which has resulted in several union offices being ransacked and fire-bombed.



These attacks have been carried out by Tunisian Islamic fundamentalists as the Salafist movement challenges the emerging democracy in the home of the 'Arab Spring'. Regional offices of the national union centre UGTT in three locations have been burned down by Salafists under the slogan "There is only God and the UGTT is the enemy of God". UGTT regional offices were main organising points for the revolution to depose former President Ben Ali.



The UGTT offices in Bousalam were destroyed and its bureau in Bengarden were burned out, while the union centre's headquarters in Jendouba in the Northwest were fire-bombed. Political parties that have shown support for the UGTT, including the PDP, Republican Party, The Forum, and the Alwatad Movement, have also been targeted along with courts, post offices, art galleries and even police.



UNI has sent the attached message to the Tunisian Government urging them to work to ensure that the newly won democracy is maintained and welcoming government support to ensure free and independent unions like the UGTT are able to operate without fear in Tunisia.



Affiliates are requested to send similar messages to the Tunisian Government at the following address and to send copies of their messages to the UGTT to show solidarity support.



Minister of Social Affairs, M.Khalil Zaouia, chefcabinet.mas@email.ati.tn; fax:+216 71 568 722



UGTT: secretariat.general@ugtt.org.tn ; kacem.afaya@ugtt.org.tn; fax; +216 71 354 114