Tunisia: Death penalty sought for Ben Ali

The prosecutor at a military tribunal has called for the death penalty for the former dictator over his role in the deaths of protesters during the uprising that overthrew him a year ago.

Zine El Abidine Ben Ali is being tried in absentia by both military and civilian courts in Tunisia for alleged crimes committed during his 23-year rule.

A civilian court has already convicted Ben Ali, who is in exile in Saudi Arabia, of drug trafficking, illegal arms trading and abuse of public funds, and sentenced him to 66 years.