BBC Journalists Tortured in Libya

Three BBC journalists reported Wednesday they were captured and beaten for 21 hours by Col. Muammar Gaddafi’s forces in Libya, and they said they saw evidence of worse torture from other victims. The journalists said they were beaten with fists and rifles, hooded and subjected to mock executions as they were trying to reach the rebel stronghold of Zawiyah. Their account gives credence to the rebels and the refugees attempting to flee who claim that Gaddafi’s security forces have routinely tortured those captured, which the United Nations is investigating. All three journalists were among the ranks that Gaddafi had invited to Tripoli, though many have been unable to reach Zawiyah. Meanwhile, intense fighting continued in Ras Lanuf, a strategic oil refinery town occupied by the rebels, and Zawiyah, with missiles and grenades pummeling the area.