Death toll in Libya now at least 80, says human rights group

Libyan security forces have killed at least 80 people during three days of protests, as the government pledges to crush demonstrations, Human Rights Watch said on Saturday. The rights group has interviewed witnesses and hospital staff, who say many were killed with live annunition.

Reuters/Ismail Zitouny

"Security forces are firing Libyan citizens and killing scores simply because they're demanding change and accountability," said Human Rights Watch, a New York-based group.

Hospital sources told the group that 35 people were killed by forces in Benghazi in the eastern part of the country on 18 February. Reports indicate that Libya's attorney general has ordered an inquiry into the violence.

Libyans used social networking site Facebook to mobilise the people after watching its success in Egypt, but Facebook was blocked on Saturday and the internet was reportedly cut off overnight.

On Friday, witnesses saw protesters set fire to a radio station in Benghazi, while a Libyan newspaper reported that 1,000 prisoners had escaped.

Human Rights Watch say that at least 24 were gunned down in Benghazi and Al-Baida during "day of anger" demonstrations on Thursday. Other reports indicate that two policemen were hanged in Benghazi.

Security sources said that four inmates were killed in Tripoli in an attempt to break out of prison there.

On Thursday, Libyan pro-government supporters marched during a demonstration in Tripoli.