VIDEO: Libyans mark first anniversary of uprising that toppled Gaddafi | PRI.ORG

VIDEO: Libyans mark first anniversary of uprising that toppled Gaddafi

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Demonstrators gather in the early morning hours outside the police station in Beghazi, Libya, on Friday to mark the first anniversary of the uprising that toppled Col. Muammar Gaddafi. (Photo from Reuters video.

Libya's revolution started a year ago and Libyans gathered in celebration to honor those they lost, celebrate what they achieved and look ahead to a future without Col. Muammar Gaddafi.

A year ago, Libya launched itself on the course toward democracy with an uprising that slowly migrated from the eastern corners of the country all the way to the capital.

Along the way, they picked up military support from NATO air foces and ousted Col. Muammar Gaddafi from power. With new leaders still trying to pick up the pieces, Libya is still trying to get things on a normal path — but there are definite signs of improvement.

In Benghazi on Friday, demonstrators returned to the police stations where the first protest against Gaddafi started — but not to protest this time. To remember.

Libya Marks First Anniversary of Uprising
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The lit a torch of freedom to commemorate their new found freedom from Gaddafi's 40-year rule, and to remember those who died in the flight.

But for those who supported Gaddafi, the situation is still troubled. Many of them are being held in a prison in Misrata.

"As you can see, it's a prison. But thank God things are good. But there are a lot of delays in releasing us so far. We don't understand our situations exactly," one prisoner said. "The war has been over for a while. So they should release us."

Libya, however, continues to struggle with tribal rivalries and even one of Gaddafi's son, who is in exile in Niger, recently said he's toying with the idea of returning to Libya to start his own uprising.

Only time will tell what the next chapter in Libya will look like.

Found in:   Africa   democratization   Libya   Arab Spring
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