Benghazi, 5 August:
A protest against the security forces took . . .[restrict]place in Benghazi’s Tahrir Square on Friday. The aim of the event, “The Friday of Safety and Security”, was to lobby the authorities to provide more effective protection for citizens and and to take a firm stand against those seeking to disrupt the country while on its path to democracy.
The protestors expressed particular concern that security had grown particularly lax during Ramadan and called on security organisations to uphold their responsibilities during the month of fasting. Members of the crowd carried signs and banners baring slogans such as “Yes to Security and Safety”, “No to Armed Malitia” and “No to Chaos”.
This protest came after a series of violent incidents in Benghazi in recent days, including the kidnapping of seven members of an Iranian Red Crescent delegation on Tuesday and an explosion near the military intelligence head quarters on Wednesday. [/restrict]