Saturday morning and the international press pack are bored rigid in their Tripoli hotel. They have been promised yet another trip to see examples of Gaddafi's 'utopian' society and the population's unceasing devotion to their leader.
Then into the lobby burst Iman Al-Obeidi (pictured above). She made claims of rape and torture by Libyan militia and denounced the regime for what it was: despotic and despicable. Naturally the press, suddenly awaked, were already be escorted by various Government henchmen. Despite the obvious worsening of the impression it would give, they seized the vulnerable young woman violently. Any member of the media who attempted to help was threatened or assaulted. Sky News had a side arm pointed at them for daring to continue to film.
The Gaddafi thugs then dragged her off into the street; they physically put their hands over her mouth as she exposed the ruling power's vicious lies, rank hypocrisy and murderous intent. She was defamed as drunk, mentally ill, a prostitute. Even if she were any of those it should not alter her human rights. But she was then bundled away into a waiting car and it must be highly doubtful she will be seen by her family again.
For all the plotting over campaign maps and adjustments to the UN backed counter offensive, here is one human example which illuminated the desperate struggle for freedom and free speech which is everyday life in Libya. We do not know what leadership will follow but for now this brutal fear must end.
No comments:
Post a Comment