Tunisian youth on hunger strike, authorities apply night curfew

A group of Tunisian youth from Jbeniana city in Sfax province initiated an indefinite hunger strike outside a police station in the city as they demanded the trial of those corrupt and the abolishment of organised gangs who incite violence in the city. The youth held security authorities responsible for the lack of security the city has been witnessing in the past few days, which comes after renewed violence and vandalism between the residents of the neighbouring cities Jbeniana and Almsatria, which led to the injury of over 20 citizens by hunting rifles and paralyzing gas. According to witnesses, those clashes were renewed last Thursday following clashes that took place at a market in the area in Ramadan, which left the city feeling tense despite security enhancements.  A night curfew has been set in place as of Monday at 8:00pm up until 5:00am. However, the curfew will not apply to residents with medical conditions or in emergencies. The curfew will run until stated otherwise.  According to a security source, events escalated on Sunday following calmness on Saturday which led to security enhancements, especially after a group of rebellious youths attacked the local hospital and vandalised its equipment, and scaring hospital staff using knives and batons.  Similar events took place in September which involved arson attacks and the injury of dozens of people, leading authorities to put a night curfew in place which was later lifted due to the beginning of the school and university new academic years. This is the third time a night curfew is set in place since the beginning of August.