In a press release posted on its Facebook page, the ministry says that any violation of this measure is liable to prosecution.

Medical emergencies and night workers are the only cases allowed, according to the same source.

"In light of these attacks against public and private property, and given that the continuation of these acts represents a danger to the security of citizens, it was decided to declare a curfew across Tunisia from 20:00 to 05:00," the interior ministry said.

Unrest over unemployment in Tunisia continued to spread overnight, as protests across the country descended into vandalism in several cities.

Tensions are running high in Tunisia only a few days after the fifth anniversary of the country's revolution in which the protesters, who were out on the streets again to show their anger at unemployment and economic woes in the North African state.