Post date: Jan 15, 2011 1:29:12 PM
In the weeks of clashes leading up to the resignation of Tunisian President Zine al-Abedine Ben Ali, foreign tourists visiting the country got more than they bargained for.
VARIOUS-TUNISIA TOURISTS - Tourists visiting Tunisia over the past few days may have gone for the climate and ancient surroundings, but they've left after experiencing the heat of a popular uprising - and witnessing a turning point in the country's modern history.
Weeks of protests surged throughout Tunisia aimed at the government of President Zine al-Abedine Ben Ali -- in power since 1987.
Clashes between demonstrators and security forces left dozens dead, and prompted a national state of emergency before Ben Ali dramatically stepped down.Amid the rising instability, western countries urged their citizens to avoid travelling to the popular vacation spot.
Tour operator Thomas Cook said it was evacuating some 4,000 tourists.
Among them was a group flown to Berlin, who recounted a frightening trip.
CZECH TOURIST RETURNING FROM TUNISIA, JIRI NOVOTNY, SAYING:
"We were only at the hotel and we were not allowed to leave. When a bus took us from the hotel to the airport we had to cover all the windows of the bus with blankets."
Tourists returning to the UK offered similar experiences.
UNIDENTIFIED PASSENGER RETURNED FROM TUNISIA, SAYING:
"We went last Sunday. And by the Wednesday we was told we can't leave the hotel, just to stay in the hotel because of the rioting and the shooting and everything else. And it sort of escalated from there really."
The future of Tunisia remains uncertain with the country's prime minister taking over until, he's pledged, elections can take place.
Meanwhile, Ben Ali -- the man who ruled Tunisia with a firm grip for decades -- has fled to Saudi Arabia seeking asylum.
David Botti, Reuters