Tunisian opposition defies protest ban, rallies against president

Supporters of Tunisia's Salvation Front wave flags during a protest over the arrest of some of its leaders and other prominent critics of the president, in Tunis, Tunisia [Zoubeir Souissi/Reuters]

Hundreds of opposition supporters in Tunisia have defied a protest ban and demanded the release of more than 20 prominent figures opposed to the president who have been arrested in recent weeks.

Before the protesters broke through a police barrier to rally on Sunday in central Tunis, police warned them by loudspeaker that their demonstration was illegal but that they would not stop them by force.