Thousands Of Tunisians Demonstrate For Islamic Law

Last updated on: March 25, 2012 at 6:13 pm by

Thousands Of Tunisians Demonstrate For Islamic Law 2012-03-25T18:13:47-07:00

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

TUNIS, Tunisia (AP) — Thousands of conservative Tunisians marched through the capital on Sunday calling for the application of Islamic law in the latest round of tit-for-tat protests by secularists and Islamists over the future of the country.

On Tuesday, a similar number of Tunisians rallied along the same avenue in the capital calling for a civil state not influenced by religion.

Tunisia was once one of the most secular Arab countries under the hardline dictatorship of President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali. Since his fall in a popular uprising last year, political Islam has flourished — much to the consternation of secularists.

A constitutional assembly elected in October is in the process of writing the country’s new constitution and there are regular demonstrations over how much it should be influenced by Islamic law, known as Sharia.

“Sharia is an obligation, not a slogan, it is the solution,” said one of the demonstrators banners.

The demonstrations were also protesting a series of incidents last week when mosques in the town of Ben Guerdane near the Libyan border were pelted with eggs and the Qurans inside desecrated. One of the main mosques in the capital Tunis also had a Star of David spray painted on it.

A moderate Islamist party now controls the government in cooperation with two secular parties.

There has also been the rise of a vocal minority of ultraconservatives known as Salafis who carry out weekly demonstrations calling for the Islamization of society.

Tensions are on the rise between the two camps and leftists and Islamists recently clashed during rival demonstrations at a university near the capital.

Previous Post

March 25, 2012

Landmark US Priest Abuse Trial Begins

Next Post

March 25, 2012 Cuba's Ladies In White Protest Without Incident

Browse Our Archives

Select a Category

Select a Month April 2012 March 2012 February 2012 January 2012 December 2011

TAKE THE

Religious Wisdom Quiz

I am confidence in what is hoped for and assurance about what is not seen. Without me, it's impossible to please God. What am I?

Select your answer to see how you score.

Trust Belief Faith Hope