Tunisian police have used tear gas and truncheons to break up protests in the capital Tunis.

Protesters were blocked as they tried to hold a rally at the same time as an authorised march. They were protesting about the lack of reform since the overthrow of President Zine el-Abidine Ben Ali in January.

About 2,000 people took part in the authorised march, which was organised by the General Workers Union. Those demonstrating near the Interior Ministry headquarters were calling for a new revolution and denounced Tunisia’s interim government.

The January revolution in Tunisia started the region-wide Arab uprisings.

Elections are due to be held in October. About 80 new parties have been registered so far to participate in the elections.

Ben Ali has been sentenced to a total of 66 years in prison on three different charges, including embezzlement and the misuse of public funds, possession of illegal drugs and weapons and corrupt property deals. Ben Ali remains in Saudi Arabia as Tunisia’s interim government have failed to extradite him (MEED 1:8:11).