Tunisia’s ex-president Ben Ali dies in exile

Former Tunisian president Zine El Abidine Ben Ali, the first leader to be toppled by the Arab Spring revolts, died yesterday in Saudi Arabia, Tunisia's foreign ministry told AFP. He was 83. "We had confirmation of his death 30 minutes ago," the ministry said, without giving further details.

His lawyer, Mounir Ben Salha, confirmed the news, citing family members and Ben Ali's doctor. Ben Ali, who ruled his North African country from 1987 until 2011, was viewed by some as a bulwark against Islamist extremism, but faced criticism for muzzling the opposition and his reluctance to embrace democracy. Eventually, growing frustration over unemployment and high prices snapped.

Tunisias ex-president Ben Ali dies in exile

Former Tunisian president Zine El Abidine Ben Ali, the first leader to be toppled by the Arab Spring revolts, died yesterday in Saudi Arabia, Tunisias foreign ministry told AFP. He was 83. We had confirmation of his death 30 minutes ago, the ministry said, without giving further details. His lawyer, Mounir Ben Salha, confirmed the news, citing family members and Ben Alis doctor. Ben Ali, who ruled his North African country from 1987 until 2011, was viewed by some as a bulwark against Islamist extremism, but faced criticism for muzzling the opposition and his reluctance to embrace democracy. Eventually, growing frustration over unemployment and high prices snapped.