Tunisian prison fire 'kills dozens'

[Joanne98]

Source: The Guardian

A fire at a prison in the Tunisian resort town of Monastir has reportedly killed dozens as the country faces more uncertainty after President Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali fled the nation.

Coroner Tarek Mghirbi said at least 42 people had died in the fire, AP reported.

One witness told Reuters: "The whole prison is on fire, the furniture, mattresses, everything."

Reports of the fire came amid confusion over who is now running the country.



Read more: http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/jan/15/tunisia-prison-fire-kills-dozens

[Warpy]

1. We're not getting much news about it here in the US

so I've been relying on foreign news, mostly the French broadcast media and press.

Last night they interviewed a journalist in the hospital after being beaten. He had no clue who'd beaten him, said that's really the big question in Tunisia right now, just who is behind all the violence, mob or government, or even if there is a government any more. It's such a mess over there now that even seasoned reporters on the ground can't figure it out.

Police are firing off tear gas, but even that seems to be more random than not, gasing shoppers as well as rioters.

This stuff is starting to spread through the Arab world as hungry people start to call their corrupt governments to task.

[aquart]

2. Weather instability leads to food crisis leads to political upheaval.

We aren't paying attention to the correct enemy. Terrorism is NOTHING compared to those who will die from climate change.

[dixiegrrrrl]

4. Here is another source

I have been reading it for awhile this am to get caught up on the situation.
There is a good timeline, some good background.

http://english.aljazeera.net/category/country/tunisia

[Warpy]

5. Thanks!

<smacks forehead smartly with palm> I hadn't thought to go to the obvious place to look.

[Turborama]

3. Local Official In Tunisia Says Prison Director Let 1,000 Inmates Escape After Protests

This was in a separate prison. The headline is the only details so far: http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2011/01/15/ap/africa/main7249605.shtml