Tunisia COVID-19 riots

Thousands of Tunisians rioted on multiple nights, starting in mid-January, over COVID-19 policies, clashing with police, vandalizing property and looting. More than 600 people were arrested, most ages 14 and 15.

Before the COVID-19 pandemic, Tunisia was already suffering from high unemployment and a poor economy. A third of its youth is unemployed. One of Tunisia’s largest industries is tourism, which shrunk dramatically in 2020.