14 killed in Libyan clashes, opposition says

[News_Editor]

14 killed in Libyan clashes, opposition says

2011-02-18 03:46:12 GMT+7 (ICT)

TRIPOLI (BNO NEWS) -- At least 14 people were killed and hundreds injured on Thursday in clashes between protesters and security forces as protests spread throughout Libya, the opposition news website Libya Al-Youm reported.

Protesters, inspired by the uprisings in Egypt and Tunisia, had called for a 'Day of Rage' to demand the resignation of Muammar Gaddafi, who has ruled oil-rich Libya since 1969.

Earlier on Thursday, the opposition website reported that four anti-government protesters were killed in clashes with Libyan police in the eastern town of Al Baida. The head of security in Al-Jabal Al-Akhdar province was sacked following the deaths, the Quryna newspaper, which is owned by Gaddafi's son Saif al-Islam, reported.

More than 4,000 people took to the streets in Al Baida after burying the protesters and, according to witnesses, security forces opened fire at the demonstrators, injuring two of them. Protesters are angry at the security forces for using excessive force to suppress their peaceful demonstration, Libya Al-Youm reported.

On Tuesday, at least 38 people were injured in clashes between demonstrators and security forces in the city of Benghazi. During the clashes, protesters threw stones at the police who responded with water cannon, tear gas and rubber bullets.

Meanwhile, the Libyan state media continues to show only pictures of pro-government supporters.

The European Union urged Libyan authorities to allow anti-government protesters to demonstrate and take their demands seriously.

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