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World

Police keep tight hold on Tunisian capital amid protests marking spark of Arab Spring

Associated Press
Published | Updated
  • APTOPIX Tunisia Protest
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    A supporter of the moderate Islamist Ennahda party holds a poster during a rally in Sidi Bouzid, central Tunisia, Tuesday, Dec. 17, 2013 to mark the third anniversary of the Tunisian uprising. Several political groups gathered at the square where Mohamed Bouazizi's self-immolation on Dec. 17, 2010 triggered mass protests against social marginalisation and government corruption in Tunisia. (AP Photo/Aimen Zine) (The Associated Press)

  • cb5ff14a-APTOPIX Tunisia Protest
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    A Tunisian man pretends to use a loaf of bread as a weapon in Sidi Bouzid, central Tunisia, Tuesday Dec. 17, 2013 to mark the third anniversary of the Tunisian uprising. Several political groups gathered at the square where Mohamed Bouazizi's self-immolation on Dec. 17, 2010 triggered mass protests against social marginalisation and government corruption in Tunisia. (AP Photo/Aimen Zine) (The Associated Press)

  • Tunisia Protest
    Image 3 of 3

    A civilian wearing a mask holds a Tunisian flag in Sidi Bouzid, central Tunisia, Tuesday, Dec. 17, 2013 to mark the third anniversary of the Tunisian uprising. Several political groups gather at the square where Mohamed Bouazizi's self-immolation on Dec. 17, 2010 triggered mass protests against social marginalisation and government corruption in Tunisia. (AP Photo/Aimen Zine) (The Associated Press)

TUNIS, Tunisia – Police have stepped up security in Tunisia's capital amid protests against the government marking three years since a young vendor set himself on fire, leading to revolutions across the Arab world.

The extremist Ansar al-Shariah movement, which has links to al-Qaida and is believed to have organized an attack on the U.S. Embassy, called for protests Tuesday at government headquarters in the Tunis casbah.

Police filled key intersections and checked cars entering downtown. Protesters denounced the media and counter-revolutionaries.

Tunisians overthrew a longtime dictator after an uprising sparked by the Dec. 17, 2010 self-immolation of vendor Mohamed Bouazizi. His act unleashed pent-up anger at corruption and repression.

The protests in Tunis and Bouazizi's hometown came days after the selection of a new prime minister amid a difficult transition to democracy.