| Published on: | 2011-02-16 17:16:38 |
The revolution that has being going on across different countries in the Middle East has now arrived in Libya.
Overnight unrest in the eastern Libyan city of Benghazi led to clashes involving hundreds of anti-government protesters, police agents and government supporters. Although today has been calmer, a big demonstration is planned for tomorrow.
Like its neighbours, Egypt and Tunisia, Libya has also been ruled by the same man for decades. Its leader, Muammar Gaddafi, has been ruling the country for over 40 years, making him Africa's longest serving leader.
Libyan state television has reported that protests were held in the early hours of this morning across the country in support of Mr Gaddafi.
These rallies were provoked by the arrest of a human rights activist who criticised the government. Although he was later freed, people reacted angrily to his detention.
While some media reported that at least 14 people were hurt, other sources count them by dozens. Demonstrations witnessed the use of petrol bombs, cars being set ablaze and police firing rubber bullets and tear gas.
As in Egypt, government opponents used the social networking site Facebook to call for people to go out onto the streets across Libya. They have planned their own "day of rage” for tomorrow.
By Eva Fernandez
[Image courtesy of Wikimedia]
Overnight unrest in the eastern Libyan city of Benghazi led to clashes involving hundreds of anti-government protesters, police agents and government supporters. Although today has been calmer, a big demonstration is planned for tomorrow.
Like its neighbours, Egypt and Tunisia, Libya has also been ruled by the same man for decades. Its leader, Muammar Gaddafi, has been ruling the country for over 40 years, making him Africa's longest serving leader.
Libyan state television has reported that protests were held in the early hours of this morning across the country in support of Mr Gaddafi.
These rallies were provoked by the arrest of a human rights activist who criticised the government. Although he was later freed, people reacted angrily to his detention.
While some media reported that at least 14 people were hurt, other sources count them by dozens. Demonstrations witnessed the use of petrol bombs, cars being set ablaze and police firing rubber bullets and tear gas.
As in Egypt, government opponents used the social networking site Facebook to call for people to go out onto the streets across Libya. They have planned their own "day of rage” for tomorrow.
By Eva Fernandez
[Image courtesy of Wikimedia]
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