Thousands mourn slain Tunisian politician

Reuters 2013-02-08

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The body of Tunisian opposition leader Chokri Belaid makes slow progress through thick crowds in the capital Tunis.

Belaid was assassinated on Wednesday by a gunman who escaped on the back of a motorbike.

At least 50,000 people turned out on Friday to pay their respects.

Two years after the uprising that overthrew President Ben Ali chants for "land, freedom and national dignity" once again rang out.

Some shouted slogans against Rachid Ghannouchi, leader of the ruling Islamist Ennahda party, blaming him for the killing.

Tunisia was the cradle of the Arab uprisings, but today it is split by tensions between the dominant Islamists and their secular opponents.

Belaid's following was modest but his criticism of the government resonated with Tunisians who fear religious radicals will undermine the freedoms won in the uprising.

There is also widespread frustration at the lack of social and economic progress in the country.

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