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Economic Turmoil
High rates of unemployment, corruption, inflation and economic turmoil left civilians selling fruit alongside the streets to support thier families and make ends meet. Most people sell produce illegally, as you need a permit to sell produce along the streets. Getting a permit costs money, which most people didn't have. -
The Suicide That Started it All
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The rebellion sparked after a young man, Mohamed Bouazizi, committed suicide after police confiscated the fruit he sold, which was the only means of supporting his seven siblings; it was the last straw for him. He poured petrol on his body and set himself on fire. He died a few days later of his injuries. -
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Revolution
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An Unfair Difference
Ben Ali lived a disgustingly luxurious life. He had pet tigers, several vacation houses near the beach with elevators and expensive riches. He lived a dream life while his citizens struggled to feed themselves let alone their children. He was aware of the economic turmoil and famine, but refused to give a penny to help. -
Fights Break Out
The suicide rate sharply rose as the amount of employment opportunities fell. This fueled the rebels. Fights began breaking out closer and closer to the capital, where the president lived. Civilians set thier matresses on fire in protest and rememberance of Mohamed Bouazizi. Rebels defaced statues of Ben Ali and tore down posters and set them on fire. -
Social Websites Benefit the Revolution
Video Twitter, Facebook, Wikileaks, and some hacking fueled the rebellion. They used the websites to schedule fights and communicate with one another. Organized riots began erupting everywhere in Tunisia. The government, which is used to having submissive civilians, did not know how to handle the protests. They resorted to brute force and violience. -
Ben Ali Threatens Protesters.
Ben Ali, the former president warns that those who protest will be physically punished and even put to death. However, being under his relentless iron rule for so many years was already punishment enough. They had nothing to lose and everything to gain. Protestors outnumbered policemen so they actually did override control in areas. -
Lawyers Demand End of Violence,
The most people were injured in the city of Thala. Police used water cannons and petrol bombs to disperse crowds. Snipers bordered the city and massacred more people. The people were shocked. 8,000 of Tunisia's lawyers demanded an end to police violence, which cries were mostly ignored. -
66 Deaths in Total
The government used violence, gunfire, fire hoses and tear gas to control riots. Police opened fire on unarmed civililans and beat people with batons. Many were injured and some died. The government claimed that only 32 people died, but there were 66 intact bodies found. They sometimes used fire, so even more victims could've been burned to ashes. -
Ben Ali Steps Off His Throne
Ben Ali claimed that he will not be running for president in 2014 in attempts to calm the protestors. But they wanted change and they wanted it now. The fights actually intensified. The dictator of Tunisia was overwhelmed and fled the country with all the gold he stole from the central bank. The country is left to rebuild another government. An interim government was assembled but citizens still protested to remove all traces of the old RCD government -
Temporary President is Sworn In
Speaker of the Parliament, Foued Mebazaa, takes Ben Ali's place. He promises to remove all traces of the old RCD government and form a new system. The process is slow, but the protestor's wishes are coming true. elections shall be held for new representatives for the new governing system in the future.
