“Arab Spring” democracy and pluralism in full flower in the brave new Tunisia — I tried to tell you: “Islamists attack Tunisia hotel bar: witnesses,” from AFP, September 3 (thanks to all who sent this in):
AFP – Islamist activists raided the last working bar in the central Tunisian town of Sidi Bouzid on Monday, smashing bottles and chasing away customers, witnesses said.
Around 50 activists burst into the bar in the Hotel Horchani in the centre of town, customers and staff told AFP.
Bearded men then raided the reception and the upstairs rooms of the hotel, the last in Sidi Bouzid to serve alcohol, some of them shouting “Allahu Akbar” (God is greatest) and “Al-Saharab haram” (drinking is a sin).
A young man who tried to film the raid was beaten by members of the group and taken to an unknown location, as angry hotel guests gathered at the scene.
The sale and consumption of alcohol is regulated but legal in Tunisia, traditionally a popular destination for tourists, especially from France….
The North African country has witnessed numerous violent incidents linked to the hardliners, prompting opposition activists to accuse the Islamist-led coalition government of not doing enough to rein them in.
What a shock!