The Islamic Human Rights Commission (HIRC) condemns Colonel Ghaddafi's use of lethal force against anti-government protesters which is now considered a massacre and a crime against humanity. The protests continue to take place for the sixth day despite the increasing number of killings and injuries. William Hague, Foreign Secretary of the United Kingdom called on the leaders of the world to condemn the repression of the Libyan government towards the anti-government protests. The revolution of 17 February 2011 is still continuing till today with pro-democracy protesters seeking to topple Ghaddafi, the world's longest-serving ruler, who have been in power for 42 years and are demanding their basic human rights. In reaction to this, Ghaddafi has resorted to hiring African mercenaries to attack protesters and ordered security forces to use live ammunition and tear gas on protesters. It was reported that “Tanks and helicopter gunships full of foreign mercenaries are fighting gangs of demonstrators. At least one dead man had been hit by an anti-aircraft missile, while other bodies are riddled with heavy machine gun fire”. It has also been reported that the death toll is beyond 400 with almost 800 injuries. Hospitals through out different cities are overcrowded with doctors reporting that hospitals have dead bodies piling up. There are desperate calls for medical supplies and blood donations. Doctors have also reported that there was “shoot and kill policy”, ambulances being attacked by security forces and doctors being shot dead by mercenaries in hospitals. It appears that the same scenario that happened in Tunisia and Egypt is repeating itself in Libya today with phone and internet access being cut off through out Libya. Activists and journalists have been arrested in Tripoli. Ghaddafi's son, Saif Al-Islam gave a provocative speech yesterday, 20th February 2011, in which he warned of rivers of blood that will run saying: “Libya is at a crossroads. If we do not agree today on reforms, we will not be mourning 84 people, but thousands of deaths and rivers of blood will run through Libya.” His speech will cause further unrest and instability. Freedom of expression and the right to assemble peacefully are fundamental rights of every human being that should be respected and protected as provided in Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Seven Libyan Ambassadors worldwide have resigned in objection to the brutal killings and attacks by the government against peaceful protesters. Worldwide protests in support of the Libyan revolution are taking place on a daily basis. It was reported by Bikyamasr that EU foreign ministers will condemn the use of lethal force and repression of anti-government protests in Libya at a meeting later on Monday. IHRC urges Ghaddafi and his regime to respond immediately to the demands of the Libyan people and to cease using violence against peaceful protesters. IHRC
