6,000 dead since start of Libya unrest: rights group

AFP , Wednesday 2 Mar 2011

Libyan rights groups say six thousands people were killed by Gaddafi forces since the uprising started

At least 6,000 people have died since the start of the revolt against Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi ‎'s regime two weeks ago, a spokesperson for the Libyan Human Rights League said Wednesday.

"Victims in the whole country were 6,000," Ali Zeidan told reporters in Paris, adding that this included 3,000 in the capital Tripoli, 2,000 in the rebel-held second city Benghazi and 1,000 in other cities.

"This is what people told us, but it can be more," he added.

Diplomats have said that between 1,000 and 2,000 people have been killed in the rebellion, although precise figures are hard to come by because of the situation on the ground.

Zeidan said there were thousands of mercenaries deployed in Libya, including 3,000 in Tripoli and 3,000 just outside it, allegedly being commanded by officers from Libya's southern neighbour, Chad.

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