Zine El Abidine Ben Ali's attorney blasted as "illegal" the auction of the deposed Tunisian dictator's assets and threatened to take the case to the UN Human Rights Council, AFP reported on Tuesday (December 25th).

Luxury items belonging to the former president and 114 of his relatives went up for public auction in Gammarth on Sunday. The Tunisian government hopes to raise millions of euros from the month-long sale.

Those attending the opening Sunday included agents of rich Gulf collectors, as well as ordinary Tunisians curious to see how the president squandered state funds.

Cars, clothing, jewellery, carpets and furniture seized from the Ben Ali clan are on display. Suits belonging to the toppled despot are expected to go for 3,000 euros each.

The collection of 39 luxury cars includes a Lamborghini Gallardo LP 460, a Bentley Continental sports car, an armoured Cadillac, a Maybach 62, and various limited edition Mercedes and BMWs.