Revenge killings unsettle Benghazi

BENGHAZI, Libya, May 15 (UPI) -- Killings of former Gadhafi regime operatives in Benghazi, Libya, are raising fears of revenge and secret death squads, residents say.

In recent weeks, two former interrogators for the dictator's internal security, Nasser al-Sirmany and Hussein Ghaith, were found shot dead outside the rebel capital in eastern Libya, The New York Times reported last week. Their families said they had joined the revolution.

Rebel authorities in Benghazi are trying to round up Gadhafi loyalists and agents, but say their security forces are not responsible for the killings and they are committed to the rule of law.

"It's our responsibility to protect people," said Jamal Benour, a rebel justice official. "It's important the killers are punished. The law is most important."

Dr. Omar Khalid, a forensic pathologist, said Jalaa Hospital has received at least a dozen bodies of executed men, though it was not known if they had worked for the government. District Attorney Ali Wanis said he is investigating the executions of Gadhafi soldiers.

"This is a war of rumors," said Col. Fawzi Omami. "People are very edgy."

Source: United Press International (UPI).
Link: http://www.upi.com/Top_News/World-News/2011/05/15/Revenge-killings-unsettle-Benghazi/UPI-68481305475950/.