Thousands protested after secular Tunisian politician Mohamed Brahmi was shot dead in front of his wife and children today in Tunis. The trade unions head has predicted a “bloodbath.” The assassination resembles that of secular political leader Chokri Belaid, who was killed in front of his home on Feb. 6; yesterday the government said it had identified six people involved in Belaid’s killing and would “soon” reveal details. Authorities plan to deport Mauritanian cleric Mustapha Weld Beb Ahmed Chinguiti, a Salafist arrested in Bardo with ties to extremist groups there. Ansar al Sharia is increasingly active in Tunisia. Prime Minister Larayedh admitted on July 22 that despite ongoing security operations in the Jebel Chaambi area against al Qaeda-linked militants, no arrests have been made there. Algeria has warned that Mokhtar Belmokhtar’s Signed in Blood Brigade might conduct operations in Tunisia.
