+ A
A -
Former Tunisian president Zine El Abidine Ben Ali, the first leader to be toppled by the Arab Spring revolts, died on Thursday in Saudi Arabia, Tunisia’s foreign ministry told AFP. He was 83.
Ben Ali, who ruled his North African country from 1987 until 2011, faced criticism for muzzling the opposition and his reluctance to embrace democracy. In late 2010, the self-immolation of a young trader sparked major protests that rocked the country and sparked a deadly clampdown. Ben Ali fled Tunisia for Saudi Arabia on January 14, 2011.
In mid-2012, Ben Ali was sentenced in absentia to life in jail for his role in the deaths of protesters during the uprising that ousted him. (AFP) Page 5
Ben Ali, who ruled his North African country from 1987 until 2011, faced criticism for muzzling the opposition and his reluctance to embrace democracy. In late 2010, the self-immolation of a young trader sparked major protests that rocked the country and sparked a deadly clampdown. Ben Ali fled Tunisia for Saudi Arabia on January 14, 2011.
In mid-2012, Ben Ali was sentenced in absentia to life in jail for his role in the deaths of protesters during the uprising that ousted him. (AFP) Page 5
