Libyan security forces have killed at least 24 protesters and injured many others in a crackdown on peaceful demonstrations across the country, Human Rights Watch said, RIA Novosti reports.
Hundreds of peaceful protesters took to the streets on Thursday in Baida, Benghazy, Zenten, Derna, and Ajdabiya. Inspired by popular uprisings in Egypt and Tunisia, Libyan protesters also called for a "Day of Rage" on Thursday in a bid to challenge the 41-year rule of Colonel Muammar Qadhafi, who has been accused of human rights abuses.
Qadhafi, who came to power on the back of a 1969 coup, is the longest-serving leader in both Africa and the Arab world.
