Photo: http://www.lapresse.tn/

Clouds of black smoke hover over the heads of Tunisian security forces dispatched to the scene of violent protests, reportedly sparked by an art exhibition which "undermines Islam".

Tunis — Ninety seven persons have been arrested since Monday evening in the wake of acts of violence and destruction committed by "criminal groups" in several popular neighbourhoods of the capital, the Ministry of the Interior said Tuesday.

According to a Ministry's press statement, these groups destroyed and set ablaze public properties, attacked police stations and assaulted policemen and citizens. These groups include Salafis and persons with criminal records, it added.

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