text: [{"text_idx": "#000003", "text": "Tunisian authorities expel hundreds of migrants from Sfax"}, {"text_idx": "#000004", "text": "Tunisia is a major gateway for asylum seekers attempting perilous sea voyages to reach Europe. (AP pic)"}, {"text_idx": "#000005", "text": "TUNIS: Tunisian authorities expelled hundreds of sub-Saharan African migrants from the port of Sfax today after they were thrown out of their homes during unrest in July, a rights group said."}, {"text_idx": "#000006", "text": "\u201cThe security forces on Sunday evacuated a square where some 500 migrants were assembled in the centre of Sfax,\u201d Romdane Ben Amor, spokesman for the FTDES non-government organisation, told AFP."}, {"text_idx": "#000007", "text": "He said the migrants were \u201cdispersed in small groups towards rural areas and other towns\u201d."}, {"text_idx": "#000008", "text": "Since Saturday, authorities in Tunisia have been cracking down on illegal migrants, most of whom are from sub-Saharan African countries."}, {"text_idx": "#000009", "text": "According to authorities, around 200 migrants \u201cwho were preparing to make the clandestine boat trip\u201d towards Europe were arrested."}, {"text_idx": "#000010", "text": "Tunisia is a major gateway for migrants and asylum seekers attempting perilous sea voyages in hopes of a better life in the European Union."}, {"text_idx": "#000011", "text": "Racial tensions flared in Tunisia\u2019s second city of Sfax after the July 3 killing of a Tunisian man following an altercation with migrants."}, {"text_idx": "#000012", "text": "Humanitarian sources say that at least 2,000 sub-Saharan Africans were expelled or forcibly transferred by Tunisian security forces to desert regions bordering Libya and Algeria."}, {"text_idx": "#000013", "text": "Xenophobic attacks targeting black African migrants and students increased after an incendiary speech in February by President Kais Saied."}, {"text_idx": "#000014", "text": "He alleged that \u201chordes\u201d of illegal migrants were causing crime and posing a demographic threat to the mainly Arab north African country."}, {"text_idx": "#000015", "text": "Hundreds of migrants lost their jobs and housing after his remarks."}, {"text_idx": "#000016", "text": "At least 27 people died and 73 others were listed as missing after being expelled into desert areas bordering Libya in July."}]