Tunisia: Thousands protest in Gabes against chemical plant pollution

Thousands of residents in the southern Tunisian city of Gabes protested to demand the closure of a chemical complex. The demonstrations were rekindled after hundreds of people, including schoolchildren, suffered fainting fits and intoxication attributed to pollution from the Tunisian Chemical Group (GCT) plant. Residents have long denounced the plant for causing environmental damage, polluting the air and water, and leading to high rates of cancer and respiratory illnesses. The recent protests were met with a police response, including the use of teargas to disperse the crowds.