Ambassador’s Death Prompts Libyan Protests for Peace
Christopher Stevens, the US ambassador to Libya, at his home in Tripoli, June 28th, 2012. (Photo: REUTERS/Esam Al-Fetori)
There has been an outpouring of emotion in Libya since the killing of US ambassador Christopher Stevens, earlier this month.
Demonstrations and vigils have been held across Libya to protest against violence and hate.
In Benghazi, people even seized bases of the militias left over from the civil war, and disarmed the militiamen.
The government has now been forced to act, to assist with the disarmament.
Stevens and three embassy staff were killed on September 11th, as they fled the US Consulate in Benghazi, after it was attacked by gunmen during a protest against a video said to insult the Prophet Mohammad.
Libyan businessman, Alaeddin Muntasser, was a friend of Amb. Stevens.
He says most Libyans are upset by his death, “a man who loved this country and did so much for us.”
“These people,” he says, “have offended and tarnished both the reputation of Islam, the Prophet — peace be upon him — beyond any movie or cartoon or anything like that.”
The World is an independent newsroom. We’re not funded by billionaires; instead, we rely on readers and listeners like you. As a listener, you’re a crucial part of our team and our global community. Your support is vital to running our nonprofit newsroom, and we can’t do this work without you. Will you support The World with a gift today? Donations made between now and Dec. 31 will be matched 1:1. Thanks for investing in our work!