Violent protests have erupted again in two areas of Tunisia's capital Tunis and another town after a relatively calm two days, the latest protests in the country against austerity measures.
After nearly a week of at times violent protests, police used tear gas against dozens of young protesters in the Ettadamen district of Tunis on Sunday in renewed demonstrations over a tax hike.
A Reuters witness saw youths throwing stones at police cars and setting fire to tyres before security forces drove them back with tear gas.
Tunisian people march with national flags. Source: AAP
Witnesses told Reuters that violent protests were also taking place in Kram district in the capital.
Protesters in Feriana city near the Algerian border tried to cut off roads and police were chasing protesters in the streets of the city and firing gas bombs.
Protests erupted last Monday in several towns and cities across Tunisia following tax and price hikes imposed on January 1 by a government seeking to reduce a budget deficit to meet an agreement with its international donors.
Earlier on Sunday, hundreds of Tunisians demonstrated peacefully against government austerity measures in the capital, the seventh anniversary of the ousting of former President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali.
Almost 800 people have been arrested for vandalism and acts of violence, including throwing petrol bombs at police stations, according to the interior ministry.
The government late on Saturday pledged extra aid for poor families and those in need in response to the demonstrations but protesters still took to the streets, holding banners with slogans against rising prices and new taxes.
Tunisian protesters light flares and shout slogans. Source: AAP
"This is what the government has done to us," said one protester.
"Pockets are empty because of unfair decisions by the government ... I am a professor and my wife is a teacher, but we are suffering today to meet our needs."
Prices have increased for fuel and some consumer goods, while taxes on cars, phone calls, the internet, hotel accommodation and other items have also gone up.
