Tunisian politician Chokri Belaid shot dead in Tunis
https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2013/02/706.jpg
Tunisian opposition politician Chokri Belaid has been shot dead outside his home in the capital, Tunis.
Relatives say Mr Belaid was shot in the neck and head on his way to work.
He was a prominent secular opponent of the moderate Islamist-led government and his assassination has sparked protests in towns around the country.
President Moncef Marzouki has cut short a visit to France and cancelled a scheduled appearance at a summit in Egypt to return home.
This murder robs Tunisia of one of its most courageous and free voices” - Francois Hollande French President
Tunisia is gripped by a political crisis as talks on a long-awaited cabinet reshuffle to include a wider range of parties in a coalition led by the Ennahda party have broken down.
Prime Minister Hamadi Jebali said his murder was an "act of terrorism" and a blow to the country's Arab Spring revolution, which took place in January 2011.
"This is a criminal act, an act of terrorism not only against Belaid but against the whole of Tunisia," Mr Jebali told Tunisia's privately owned FM Radio Mosaique, promising to pursue all efforts to "immediately" arrest the murderer.
Correspondents say political assassinations are rare in Tunisia.
https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2013/02/707.jpg
Chokri Belaid was a prominent secular opponent of Tunisia's moderate Islamist-led government
