Tunisia Dissolves Secret Police, Announces New Government

Tunisian Prime Minister Caid Essebsi

Tunisia's interim government announced today it was dissolving the country's secret police service.

The agency had been widely accused of committing human rights abuses during the rule of President Zine el-Abidine Ben Ali, who was ousted in January.

Interim Prime Minister Caid Essebsi also announced a new government. Most key ministers from the previous government retained their posts, but a number of new appointments were made following a spate of resignations last week.

Protesters have been demanding the new leaders move faster to bring about political and social change.

compiled from agency reports