Slain Tunisian's widow faces criticism

Mubaraka al-Brahmi, widow of the slain Tunisian opposition politician Mohamed el-Brahmi, is facing criticism for insulting Islamists by describing them as “rats” during a speech. Observers say that the speech was inappropriate for the widow of a Tunisian politician who was martyred trying to defend dignity and freedom. A number of activists accused her of damaging the image of her husband, while others said she does not represent Tunisian women. Brahmi’s widow who, addressing the government, said, “You are nothing but rats and cowards, but we will not crush you. We will release you so you can clear off.” A group of investigators have questioned Brahimi's widow about the killing of her husband, whilst authorities consider her daughter as a witness in the case, since she managed to describe one of the killers. Brahmi’s widow and Asma, the widow of another politician Chokri Belaid, took part in the demonstrations organised by the opposition to mark Women’s Day Women’s Day celebrates the 57th anniversary of the Code of Personal Status, the country’s core women’s rights legislation. The law banned polygamy, guaranteed equal pay and education for women, and addressed issues of divorce, inheritance, and custody of children. Brahimi, 58, a prominent member of the Arab nationalist Popular Front party, was shot by two men on a moped in July. That murder, as well, resulted in protests. The mainly secular opposition accuses the moderate Islamist Ennahda party that leads the government of dismissing women's rights and of failing to take strong enough action against hardline Islamists accused of murdering the two prominent secular politicians this year.