Ben Ali: Tunisia's ousted ex-president dies in exile aged 83

Tunisia's former President Zine el-Abidine Ben Ali has died in exile aged 83 according to multiple sources.

Source: AAP

Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali led Tunisia for 23 years before stepping down in January 2011 amid an unprecedented wave of street protests, in what has become known as the start of the 'Arab Spring'. 

A torn banner of former Tunisian President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali is seen in the center of Tunis. 16 January 2011 Source: AP

Ben Ali led the country for 23 years and was credited with delivering stability and some economic prosperity.

But he received widespread criticism for suppressing political freedoms and for widespread corruption.

In 2011, he was forced from office following mass street protests. This triggered a wave of similar uprisings across the Arab world.