Tunisian soldier kills eight

26 May 2015

Government denies terrorism link

A Tunisian soldier opened fire and killed seven soldiers, and wounding 10 others at a military camp in the capital Tunis on 25 May.

Statements from the Defence Ministry claimed he had been suffering from psychological and family problems, and had been removed from active duty.

However, the Tunisian press is keen to blame the killings on terrorism.

During a flag ceremony, the soldier stabbed a colleague to take his weapon at the Bouchoucha barracks, according to the Tunisian Press Agency.

Security fears are high after the Bardo Museum attack, which killed 21 tourists and a Tunisian.

Tunisia is struggling to secure its border with Libya as violence there threatens to spill over into the country.

The Tunisian government is preparing a new security law. It has been criticised by local and international human rights groups as a threat to freedom of speech in the world’s newest democracy.

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