On the weekend of 15-18 January 2021, violent protests occurred across Tunisia for four consecutive nights. Security forces used tear gas and water cannons to disperse protesters, many of whom were burning tires, erecting blockades in major thoroughfares, and throwing stones and Molotov cocktails at police officers. In Tunis, clashes occurred in the Ettadamen, Mallassin, Fouchana, Karm and Sijoumi neighborhoods and along Bourguiba Avenue, where demonstrators had gathered and blocked roadways. Protests were also held in the Jemla, Ras Djbel, Ksar Hlel and Beja areas of Tunis. Meanwhile, clashes were reported between protesters and security forces in the cities of Bizerte, Gafsa, Kalaa Kebira, Kasserine, Kef, Monastir and Sousse. According to a Defense Ministry spokesperson, authorities have arrested at least 600 individuals and deployed troops to the cities of Bizerte in the north, Sousse in the east, and Kasserine and Siliana in central Tunisia. The violent protests began on 15 January in response to economic hardships and a government decision to enact a nationwide four-day lockdown beginning on 14 January to curb the spread of COVID-19.