Libya: Mass Grave Found With 1,270 Victims Of 1996 Prison Massacre
By Ria Novosti
A mass grave containing the bodies of more than 1,270 people killed by Muammar Gaddafi’s forces has been found near Abu Salim prison in Tripoli, local media reported on Sunday.
“We are dealing with more than 1,270 martyrs and must distinguish each one from the other for identification by comparing their DNA with family members,” a medical official Dr Osman Abdul Jalil said.
The massacre in Abu Salim prison started on June 28, 1996. The prisoners were unhappy with the conditions of detention and restrictions on meetings with relatives. The revolt was brutally put down on June 29. Human rights groups said some 2,000 inmates were killed.
Massive demonstrations against longtime leader Gaddafi broke out in Libya in mid-February. The international NATO-led military operation began on March 19 following a UN resolution on “targeted measures” to protect civilians.
The National Transitional Council agreed on the makeup of an interim cabinet on Monday. NTC current chief Mahmoud Jibril has been named interim prime minister. There will be a total of 22 ministries in the new government.
