Libya: Misrata militia take revenge on town of 30,000 mostly black pro-Gadaffi Libyans

The people in the town of Tawergha suffered from vengeful actions for their role in the siege of Misrata. A woman from Misrata said:""No, they can never come back... They have done us too much harm, terrible things. We cannot forgive them." Those in Misrata claim the residents of the town murdered, raped and tortured in Misrata.


Misrata forces captured and killed Gadaffi and also were part of the liberation of Tripoli but in mid-August they drove everyone out of Tawergha. Human rights organisations have termed the action collective punishment and perhaps a crime against humanity.


There is a racial element in this. Tawerghans are for the most part descendants of black Libyans who were slaves and quite poor. Gadaffi supported them and in turn they supported his regime on the whole. Many joined Gadaffi's armed forces.


The name of the town has even been erased from the road sign. Buildings are burned and looted with people's possessions scattered about. The only people in the town are a few Misratan militia who prevent any inhabitants from returning. For more see this article.