Protesters attack Muslim Brotherhood offices in LibyaJuly 27, 2013 - 12:41 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Protesters attacked offices of Libya's Muslim Brotherhood and the headquarters of a liberal coalition on Saturday, July 27, after demonstrations sparked by assassinations in the eastern city of Benghazi turned violent, witnesses said, according to Reuters. Hundreds took to the streets overnight to denounce the killing of a prominent political activist and critic of the Brotherhood, Abdelsalam al-Mosmary, who was shot dead on Friday after leaving a mosque following Friday prayers. Mosmary was an outspoken opponent of the Brotherhood, whose Islamist political wing is the second biggest party in the national congress, and regularly appeared on television criticizing the presence of armed militias on Libya's streets. Two military officials were also killed in Benghazi on Friday. Libya's weak central government is struggling to assert its authority over armed groups that helped topple veteran leader Muammar Gaddafi in 2011, part of the wave of Arab Spring uprisings that also felled autocrats in Tunisia, Egypt and Yemen. The Muslim Brotherhood's political wing, the Justice and Construction Party (JCP) has the second-biggest number of seats in Libya's legislature, and there has been growing opposition to its increasing influence. A Benghazi resident, Rami al-Shahibi, said protesters set on fire two buildings - one belonging to the Muslim Brotherhood and another to the JCP - in the city. "They shouted "Gather your belongings. Benghazi wants you out.'" In Tripoli, a crowd gathered in the central Martyrs Square, saying they were there "in solidarity with Benghazi". A group of youths then descended on the offices of the JCP, smashing its windows as well as taking out documents and throwing them in the streets. They also ransacked the headquarters of the liberal National Forces Alliance (NFA), the biggest party in the legislature, Reuters said. Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Kazakhstan welcomes Yerevan, Baku’s agreement to meet in Almaty Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has welcomed the agreement of Baku and Yerevan to hold negotiations in Almaty. Armenia offers to temporarily host, preserve Gaza manuscripts The Armenian Foreign Minister has said Yerevan is ready to help preserve manuscripts from the conflict zone in Gaza. Aliyev says no need for mediators in Armenia-Azerbaijan process Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev believes that Baku and Yerevan do not mediators in the process of normalizing relations. Aram I supports Karekin II’s “patriotic position” Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia Aram I has expressed support for the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin. |