Libyans organize revolt in Benghazi

Behind the beige, Soviet-style exterior of Benghazi’s courthouse about 150 lawyers, judges, doctors, businessmen and young people are working around the clock to organize the revolution — and maintain order in a city whose previous institutions belonged to Gaddafi alone.

The graffiti-covered building and the seaside corniche across the road have become the rallying point for dissent in Benghazi, Libya’s second largest city and heart of the current revolution. Ecstatic daily demonstrations spill into the street, complete with face painting and celebratory rifle fire. In the top floor of the courthouse some of the younger members of the opposition take their positions behind the glow of laptop screens, updating Facebook pages and Twitter feeds.

This is the place where protests began, quickly developing into a full-blown revolt that has shaken the foundations of Gaddafi’s 41-year-rule — amazing even those involved.