Tunisia Opposition Calls Demo against Corruption Bill

Tunisian opposition parties and independent figures have called for a demonstration Saturday against a controversial anti-corruption bill, defying a ban on public protests under a state of emergency.

The protest on Tunis's Habib Bourguiba Avenue, a focal point of the country's 2011 revolution, will "demand a withdrawal of the bill which creates impunity and divides Tunisia," said al-Joumhouri party secretary general Maya Jribi.

She told a press conference the protest, announced by five opposition parties, would also stand up for "freedom of expression and the right to demonstrate" in Tunisia.

President Beji Caid Essebsi has called on parliament to adopt a law pardoning people charged with or convicted of financial corruption if they confess and return any money obtained.

Corruption was endemic under long-time dictator Zine El Abidine Ben Ali, who was driven from power nearly five years ago and whose close circle, especially his wife's family, had an iron grip on the economy.

Numerous people have been jailed over corruption charges or fled the country.

Police already dispersed a September 1 demonstration to protest what critics have called the laxity of the bill.

Interior ministry spokesman Walid Louguini told AFP Saturday's demonstration was also unauthorized and that "the law will be applied."

A state of emergency, under which such gatherings are illegal, was re-introduced in the aftermath of a jihadist attack in June that killed 38 tourists at a beach resort.

But Zouhair Maghzaoui, who heads another opposition party, Echaab, said Saturday's demonstration would go ahead.

"We will not allow the interior ministry to silence us," he said.