Libyan protester speaks out

This story was originally covered by PRI’s Here and Now. For more, listen to the audio above.

Communication throughout Libya has been shut down, but PRI’s Here and Now managed to reach a 31-year old, Libyan protester named Ahmed. “We want freedom,” he said. The Libyan youth has spoken. “Everyone in Libya has spoken. And they’re willing to give up their lives for the sake of freedom.”

The situation, however, is getting dire. “It’s a massacre here,” Ahmed told Here and Now. “This hasn’t happened since the days of Rwanda. It’s as bad as that. People are being gunned down, machine guns.” Hospitals are filled and people can’t get care, and families can’t get the bodies of dead back.

Still, he said the protests will continue until Moammar Gadhafi leaves the country. “He’s done,” Ahmed said. “He cannot step down and remain in the country. He will be eaten alive by his people. He cannot kill as many people in cold blood and get away with it.”

When asked what he wants from the protests, Ahmed said, “When you’re on the bottom there’s no way but up. Whatever we get is better than this.”

Ahmed said he would continue to fight against the regime, no matter what. “The government they can do what they want,” Ahmed said defiantly. “People are fed up. Our religion tells us that if you die for such a cause, you’re in heaven. So what’s my biggest risk? Best case, I’m in heaven. Worst case, I’m still here tomorrow.”

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