14 October 2011

Protesters attack home of Tunis TV station head

A mob attacked the home of a Tunisian television station owner with firebombs on Friday, following protests against a film his channel aired.

The channel Nessma reported that around 100 people attacked the home of station owner Nabil Karoui at night, hurling firebombs and forcing his wife and children to flee out the back.

Karoui, who has apologized for airing the movie "Persepolis," which religious conservatives deem blasphemous, was not at home at the time.

Earlier in the day, Tunisian police used tear gas to disperse thousands in the capital protesting against the film following weekly prayers.

The demonstrations and home assault represent an escalations in tensions liberals and religious conservatives ahead Tunisia's landmark Oct. 23 election for a constitutional body that will determine the future of this North African nation that overthrew its longtime dictator in January. [Associated Press] Read more