TUNIS: Tunisia’s Premier Ali Larayedh vowed tough action against Ansar Al-Shariah yesterday after bloody clashes between police and members of the radical Salafist group, hinting at a shift in government policy.

Tunisia has been rocked by waves of violence blamed on militants since its January 2011 revolution, and Larayedh reacted angrily to the latest unrest, which erupted after the authorities banned the group’s annual congress. At least one protester was killed and 15 police hurt, with victim due to be buried in Ettadhamen, the poor Tunis suburb and renowned Salafist stronghold where Sunday’s clashes broke out.

Ansar Al-Shariah and a police source said a second protester was also killed, but the Interior Ministry said his death was not linked to the clashes, while the Salafists insisted neither victim belonged to their movement.

Larayedh said around 200 Salafists were arrested and vowed firm action against the group considered close to Al-Qaeda that he linked for the first time to “terrorism,” prompting analysts to see a possible shift in government policy.

“Those proven to have nothing against them will be released, but those found to have been involved in violating the law will be prosecuted,” he told AFP during a visit to Doha.