Anti-Government Protests Erupt in Libya Leading to Clashes with Police

Local Editor

As people-powered demonstrations are still erupting in the Middle East, Libya joined the list of anti-government rallies after the Tunisian and Egyptian revolutions achieved the collapse of their tyrant regimes.

After the police detained an anti-government activist for criticizing President Muammar Gaddafi's regime, protests began Tuesday night leading to clashes between protesters and the police.

Anti-government slogans were chanted by the demonstrators, from which, according to medical sources, at least 40 people were injured due to violent clashes, where the police fired tear gas and water cannons at the protesters.

Thursday is the day Libyan activists are planning to hold mass rallies in the Libyan capital and other cities.

According to media reports, the Libyan President Gaddafi is expressing concerns that large-scale protests might lead to a similar departure to that of Tunisian former president Zein Al Abidin Bil Ali, and Egyptian former President Hosni Mubarak.