Violent protests because of unemployment in Tunisia have led to the death of at least 14 protesters over the week-end. Violent clashes broke out in three towns in western and central Tunisia on Sunday. An Interior Ministry statement said the deaths took place in the towns of Thala, Kasserine and Regueb. The government says police were forced to open fire in legitimate self-defence. It says the riots had been organised by a small group of extremists intent on destabilising the country. The protesters said the casualty figures were a lot higher than what officials say and that they are demonstrating against lack of freedom and high unemployment.