New Protests Rock Tripoli

Libya remained in turmoil as thousands of protesters marched onto the streets of the capital city of Tripoli, Moammar Gadhafi’s last stronghold, while a key air base switched to the rebel side and more diplomats abandoned the regime.

For a continuously up-to-date recounting of events in Libya, check out The Guardian’s live blog. —JCL

Los Angeles Times:

Thousands of Libyans poured defiantly into the streets of Tripoli after Friday prayers to protest against strongman Moammar Kadafi, who has ruled the country for the last 42 years and has vowed to fight his opponents until the very end.

One witness reached by telephone in Tripoli said the people marched from mosques to Green Square in the heart of the capital, with the support of at least some members of the security forces.

“The military police are with us,” said Mohammad Khalil, a 31-year-old businessman in Tripoli. “People marching in the demonstrations heard gunfire, and are sure that people have been killed.”

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AP / Libya State Television

Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi, in cap, speaks from atop the ramparts of an old fort in Tripoli’s Green Square on Friday.