LIBYA: Protests shift to Benghazi; pro-Kadafi forces demonstrate in Tripoli

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Protests against the 41-year rule of Libyan strongman Moammar Kadafi shifted to Libya’s second city, Benghazi, on Friday as opposition forces and government troops clashed in a violent spiral that has taken at least two dozen lives, human rights groups and news agencies reported.

Kadafi’s support in Benghazi is weaker than elsewhere in the country, and a mostly youthful crowd of protesters fought for control of the eastern city a day after deadly confrontations in the capital, Tripoli, the Al Jazeera network reported. It cited death toll reports from social network messages as high as 50 from Thursday’s ‘Day of Rage’ against the regime but said those figures couldn’t be confirmed.

Kadafi foes, joined by defecting police, were also fighting security forces for control of Al Bayda, northeast of Benghazi, the Reuters news agency reported, quoting exile groups.

Libyan state television reported pro-government demonstrators were out in force in Tripoli and showed images of men chanting in favor of Kadafi. The longtime leader showed up briefly at Tripoli’s Green Square but didn’t speak to the people chanting his praises.

--Carol J. Williams