Tunisia ups security as Salafists vow to defy ban

TUNIS: Tunisian security forces deployed in strength yesterday after Salafist movement Ansar Al-Sharia called on its hard-line supporters to defy a government ban on its annual congress.
There was a heavy police presence at tollbooths along the main highway from the capital to the central city of Kairouan where the Salafists have vowed to hold Sunday’s gathering, AFP correspondents reported.
Police were singling out for checks the private minibuses that ply between Tunisian towns.
Ansar Al-Sharia had urged its supporters to travel to the venue in groups in a bid to get past police.
“We advise our brothers coming to Kairouan to travel in groups and not to be separated because the agents of the tyrant are blocking most intersections and provoking our brothers by showing their weapons,” it said on its Facebook page. In Tunis itself, large numbers of police vans and army trucks were visible both in the city center and in neighborhoods regarded as Salafist strongholds.
As tensions mounted, a US Embassy travel advisory warned Americans against traveling to Kairouan, saying “large rallies and demonstrations are possible” if the congress goes ahead.
“There is the potential for disruption to traffic in the area of Kairouan and possible confrontations with security forces. The embassy recommends against all travel to Kairouan during this period.”
Ahead of the ministry’s announcement, Ansar Al-Sharia, which does not recognize the authority of the state, warned that it would hold the government responsible for any violence.
“We are not asking permission from the government to preach the word of God and we warn against any police intervention to prevent the congress from taking place,” spokesman Seifeddine Rais said.
Rais said more than 40,000 people were expected to attend, adding: “The government will be responsible for any drop of blood spilled.”
The Interior Ministry retorted that “all those who defy the authority of the state and its institutions, who try to sow chaos, who incite violence and hatred will bear all the responsibility.”
It promised a tough response to “anyone who tries to attack the forces of order” and said the police and army are on “high alert to protect the security of citizens and their property.”