Tunisian minister denies Ennahda infiltration

Tunisian Interior Minister Ali Laarayedh has denied the Islamic Ennahda movement has any influence on the Interior Ministry, adding that left-wing opposition leader Chokri Belaid was assassinated by a "professional security team." Laarayedh said: "There has been no infiltration of the Interior Ministry," pointing out that some parties want to involve the security apparatus in political disputes and partisan conflicts. Tunisia's Interior Minister reiterated the "neutrality and professionalism" of his ministry, asserting that the security establishment will leave no stone unturned in hunting down the killers of the Democratic Patriots' Movement leader. He explained that security personnel are "well-equipped" to deal with the case and have been briefed about judicial proceedings. Laarayedh praised Tunisian security services for their bravery, and said that the ministry is fighting an "intense battle" against terrorism and armed terrorist groups. He revealed that the government had been successful in dismantling terror networks and seizing weapons across Tunisia. "Social protests and acts of violence such as the assassination of Chokri Belaid have hindered our pursuit of terrorist elements," he said.