Muslim scholar addresses Tunisian over political rift

Tariq Ramadan has held a number of meetings in Tunisia on the role of Islam following recent revolutions which swept across Middle Eastern and North African countries, leading to the downfall of several dictators.

Ramadan was welcomed by the Tunisian Public Opinion as a gesture of peace between political parties.

On his first visit to Tunisia, Ramadan pointed to the growing rift between secular and Islamic politicians in Tunisia over the role of Islam in the country’s new constitution.

“They have transformed secularism into the new religion of the state and they think that they should not be criticized,” Ramadan said in addressing secularists who continuously attack Islam.

Ramadan further aimed at bridging the gap between Tunisians who consider Islam a source of guidance and those who prefer to neglect the importance of Islam after the revolution.

He further reminded Tunisians to be aware of the intentions of "new emerging powers".

Ousted dictator Zine El Abidine Ben Ali's 23-year-old regime collapsed early 2011 after weeks of bloody protests over corruption, unemployment, and high food prices. He fled to Saudi Arabia with his family on the same day.

A Tunisian court has sentenced the former leader in absentia to 35 years in prison on charges of corruption. Ben Ali is also facing charges of manslaughter and crimes against the state.