Tunisian authorities stated on Tuesday that another four people were killed in the most violent protests in that country in past few decades, which made the number of victims of riots 20.

However, human rights organisations, the media and hospitals estimate that the number of victims is more then 30, as the police reopened fire upon the protesters that demonstrated about high unemployment rate, British BBC reported.

Ministry of Interior stated that four civilians were killed in riots in city of Gassrine in western part of Tunisia, where the protests started in mid-December last year.

“In the city of Gassrine there was violence, arsons and attacks against police stations with Molotov cocktails and metal bars”, Ministry stated and Reuters reported.

According to eyewitnesses, the police fired tear gas bomb when riots broke out in another two cities in western Tunisia, despite the promise that President would create conditions for opening another 300,000 work places by the end of 2012.

Tunisian government decided to close schools and universities until further notice, and the streets are empty after being occupied by the army and police in efforts to stop the riots.

The riots were caused, almost a month ago, by the dissatisfaction of people due to unemployment and lack of investments, while the authorities claim that riots are caused by a minor group of extremists that wish to harm the state.