Bouazizi’s self-immolation led to immediate protests within Sidi Bouzid. Many people had known Bouazizi, and were angered by the treatment he had been shown by the government. On Saturday, December 18th, hundreds of Tunisian youth crowded the streets of the city, protesting the events with Bouazizi as well as the floundering Tunisian economy. The youth reportedly smashed shop windows and damaged cars, and were instantly met with police backlash. The police resorted to using tear gas to disperse the protestors, and violence soon broke out as the two forces clashed. The violence ended when the police arrested dozens of protestors. However, the protests reportedly continued into Sunday, and hundreds of security forces were brought into Sidi Bouzid.
The Tunisian national media (which was government run) ignored the protests. Nevertheless, word quickly spread as the social networking community posted reports and videos of the events. These postings garnered messages of support from Tunisians as well as those from other Arab countries, including Egypt and Algeria. The protests for a democratic transition in Tunisia had begun.
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