Originally posted by the Voice of America. Voice of America content is produced by the Voice of America, a United States federal government-sponsored entity, and is in the public domain. Tunisia Begins 3-Day Mourning Period for Protest Victims VOA News 21 January 2011 A protester hugs soldiers in front of the RCD party office, in Tunis, 20 Jan 2011 Photo: AP A protester hugs soldiers in front of the RCD party office, in Tunis, 20 Jan 2011 Tunisia is observing three days of mourning for the dozens of people killed during protests that led to the ouster of former president Zine El Abidene Ben Ali. At least 78 people have been killed since the start of the uprising in December. Tunisia's interim cabinet said Thursday schools and universities would reopen next week. The new government on Thursday offered amnesty to political prisoners and granted recognition to banned political parties. The announcement followed a day of protests in the capital Tunis and other major cities. Demonstrators are calling for ministers associated with Mr. Ben Ali's RCD party to leave government. Tunisian state television said Thursday that the RCD has dissolved its leadership committee after many leadership members quit in the wake of demands that the new government exclude former ruling party members. However, state TV reports the party will continue to operate. .