Thousands of Tunisians marched through the coastal city of Gabes on Wednesday, protesting against pollution linked to a government-run phosphate plant.
Protesters marched toward the area where the chemical facility are located, calling not for temporary closure, but for the complete shutdown and relocation of the complex.
They accuse the facility of releasing harmful fumes and waste that they say have endangered public health.
According to reports, in recent months large numbers of school children reportedly experienced breathing difficulties, which residents believe were caused by toxic emissions from nearby industrial plants.
Labor groups have announced plans for a nationwide strike next month if the government won’t respond.
This is not the first protest, as similar demonstrations were already held in October.