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By Hadi Fornaji.
Tripoli, 11 July:
NTC Chairman Mustafa Abdul Jalil has called on the captors of two Misrata-based journalists held in Bani . . .[restrict]Walid to release them “immediately and unconditionally” or face the use of force.
In a statement earlier today, Jalil warned that the state was ready “to take all necessary measures” to release the two men, Yusuf Baadi and Abdul Qader Fusuq, who have been held in the town since Sunday.
The two, who worked for a local Misrtata TV station, were picked up in Bani Walid on their return from the western town of Mizdah, where they had been covering the National Congress elections.
Yesterday, the Security Battalion of Misrata, headed by Juma Belhaj, issued a statement saying it was ready to act if the government did not.
Well over a thousand members of the battalion, armed with heavy artillery, are reported to have mustered at Bir Dufan in preparation for a possible assault. Tomorrow, Thursday, has been given as the deadline for the journalists’ release before action is taken.
Jalil has said that he believes the crisis can be resolved peacefully, and that Bani Walid is ready “to join the 17 February revolution… For this, the council calls on the people of Bani Walid to release the two journalists as a sign of their commitment”.
Bani Walid was a Qaddafi stronghold during the revolution and a number of former regime members and supporters took refuge in the city.
The rapidity with which this dispute has escalated hints at broader tensions that have yet to be resolved.
A number of Misratans and other Libyans have spoken of their deep anger with Bani Walid, warning that if they are attacked “then they had it coming”.
Meanwhile Bani Walid has demanded that Misrata hand over 120 of its men in exchange for the two, a request Misrata has rejected as contrary to the law. [/restrict]
