Tunisia warrant for Ben Ali

Tunisia has issued an international arrest warrant for ousted autocratic president Zine El Abidine Ben Ali,who fled to Saudi Arabia earlier this month amid violent protests.

Charges against Ben Ali include taking money out of the country illegally,Justice Minister Lazhar Karoui Chebbi said Wednesday. The country is also seeking the arrest of Ben Alis wife,Leila,as well as other family members.

Ben Ali fled the North African country January 14 after 23 years in power,pushed out by weeks of deadly protests driven by anger over joblessness,corruption and repression.

Chebbi spoke as Tunisian police fired tear gas at hundreds of protesters in capital Tunis who have been pressuring the interim government to get rid of old guard ministers.