Tunisian protests turn deadly

Tunisian authorities said at least 11 policemen were injured and one protester died during clashes with supporters of Islamist group Ansar al-Sharia. At least 500 supporters of Ansar al-Sharia rallied Sunday in the Tunis suburb of Ettadhamen despite a ban on the organization's meetings. Tunisian authorities said at least 11 policemen were injured and a 27-year-old protester died in street battles before security forces pushed demonstrators out of the area Monday, the BBC reports. Tunisian protests in late 2010 were the first in the series known as the Arab Spring. Tunisia is struggling with its political identity after demonstrations there forced longtime President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali from office in January 2011. Tunisian Prime Minister Ali Larayedh told Bloomberg News the government considers Ansar al-Sharia to be an illegal political organization. "We will deal with this organization with total seriousness but in accordance with the law," he said. The movement's spokesman, Seifeddine Rais, was arrested for inciting violence. Larayedh said the government is committed to elections before the end of the year.