Ousted Tunisian leader Ben Ali's family 'arrested'

Tunis, 29 Jan – (ANA) - Some 33 members of ousted Tunisian leader Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali's family have been arrested, state TV has said.

They were held over the past few days as they tried to leave the country.

In a televised speech, interim leader Fouad Mebazaa vowed a "total break" with the past, an independent justice system and media freedoms.

In a separate development, the new government said it had freed all political prisoners. The reported move comes after weeks of mass protests.

State television showed what it said was gold and jewellery found during raids on the family members' properties. It is not known which family members have been arrested.

Swiss officials estimate Tunisian government officials have put about $620m into Swiss banks, the Associated Press news agency reports.

In Paris, the anti-corruption group Transparency International France and two other associations have filed a legal case alleging corruption by Mr Ben Ali and his wife. (ANA)

FA/ANA/20 January 2011------