84 Dead In Libya Protests In 3 Days: Human Rights Watch

[oberliner]

Source: Huffington Post

Disturbing new details are coming out of the Libya protests. Government security forces have killed at least 84 people in three days, Human Rights Watch said in a news release Friday night.

Even though people were protesting peacefully, according to HRW, security forces killed 20 people in Benghazi, 23 in Baida, three in Ajdabiya, and three in Derna in a matter of days. In addition, 35 people were killed in Benghazi on Friday, nearly all with live ammunition.

HRW said that telephone interviews with hospital staffers and witnesses led to the estimates. It added in a statement: "The Libyan authorities should immediately end attacks on peaceful protesters and protect them from assault by pro-government armed groups."

The regime of Muammar Gaddafi is said to be behind the massacres, according to The Guardian, which reported that it also imposed a news blackout, similar to Iran's crackdown on journalists in 2009.

Read more: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/02/18/84-dead-in-libya-protests_n_825466.html

[Catherina]

1. 84. and how many more not reported yet? How many injured?

I just watched some very graphic videos of young boys being shot and their heads exploding blood all over the place.

This is unacceptable. How can the world just watch with *concern*?

[oberliner]

2. What can/should the world do besides watch?

Are there specific actions you think Americans, for instance, ought to take?

[Catherina]

4. I'd suggest the US government reorient its predator drones to target out of control

*allies* rather than innocent people in Pakistan, Afghanistan and Iraq since we're so determined to conduct and silently watch their criminal usage in those countries.

[AnotherDreamWeaver]

3. May those who can help find the will and way to do so.

I'm concerned folks watching videos like you mentioned will have PTSD. Please take care of yourself,

[Turborama]

5. CNN International: Human Rights Watch - Government forces killed 84 in 3 days in Libya

At least 84 people have been killed by government security forces in three days of protests across Libya, Human Rights Watch said, as uncertainty lingers in the country led by the same ruler for four decades.

The human rights group said in a statement Friday that the information is based on telephone interviews with local hospital staff and witnesses.

CNN has not been able to independently confirm the figure.

Witnesses said tens of thousands of Libyans have taken to the streets this week to voice their discontent with of Moammar Gadhafi -- the longest-ruling, non-royalty head of state in the world.

Read more: http://edition.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/africa/02/19/libya.protests/index.html?eref=mrss_igoogle_cnn


Click on the image for CNN video (more at the link):
http://edition.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/africa/02/19/libya.protests/index.html?eref=mrss_igoogle_cnn">

[Turborama]

6. BBC: Libya protests: 84 killed in growing unrest, says HRW

The number of people killed in three days of protests in Libya has risen to 84, according to the New York-based group Human Rights Watch.

The main focus of the demonstrations against Col Muammar Gaddafi's 42-year rule has been the second city Benghazi, where security forces are said to have attacked protesters again on Saturday.

On Friday, one hospital in the city reported 35 deaths.

State media have warned of retaliation if the unrest continues.

Video and more details here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-1251253

[Turborama]

7. Al Jazeera English: Scores killed in Libya protests

Security forces in Libya have killed scores of pro-democracy protesters in demonstrations demanding the ousting of Muammar Gaddafi, the country's long time ruler.

Human Rights Watch said on Saturday that 84 people had died over the past three days.

A doctor in Benghazi told Al Jazeera that he had seen 70 bodies at the city's hospital on Friday in one of the harshest crackdowns against peaceful protesters thus far.

"I have seen it on my own eyes: At least 70 bodies at the hospital," said Wuwufaq al-Zuwail, a physician.

Much more and video here: http://english.aljazeera.net/news/africa/2011/02/2011219811665897.html

[Turborama]

8. AJE's Live Libya Revolution Blog

Contains graphic images: http://blogs.aljazeera.net/middle-east/2011/02/17/live-blog-libya