In Libya Revolution, nearly 400 killed

Press TV
Feb 21, 2011

The International Federation for Human Rights says as many as 400 pro-democracy protesters have been killed so far in the popular Libyan Revolution.

The group’s leader Souhayr Belhassen said anti-Muammar Gaddafi protests has resulted in “between 300 and 400 deaths, probably closer to 400,” AFP reported Monday.

The Paris-based group added that its information came largely from human rights groups in Libya.

This comes as protesters have seized several cities, including Benghazi and Sirte, due to the defection of several army units, and despite a bloody crackdown launched by the Gaddafi regime.

Meanwhile in Tripoli, protesters attacked the headquarters of the state television station overnight and set fire to the offices of the People’s Committees — the mainstay of the government.

Reports also say that the security forces killed scores of people in the country’s second largest city, Benghazi, in just few past hours.

The developments come as popular revolutions continue to sweep the US-backed autocratic regimes across the Middle East and North Africa.

In the meantime, there have been unconfirmed reports that Gaddafi has fled the country.