LIBYA: Interim regime to probe death of Gadhafi.
Libya’s interim government, under mounting international pressure, said Monday it will request an investigation of the death of Moammar Gadhafi, but authorities continued to insist that the former leader was not executed by revolutionary forces.
Mustafa Abdel Jalil, head of the National Transitional Council, did not give any details about who will conduct the inquiry.
After days in which Gadhafi’s body was displayed in a meat locker in the city of Misrata, a military spokesman said the body had been moved in anticipation of burial, which could occur today.
Abdel Jalil also assured the international community Monday that “we are moderate Muslims.” But he refused to back down from his surprise announcement Sunday that the country’s new laws will permit polygamy and ban the charging of interest on loans.
Also Monday, New York-based Human Rights Watch said 53 apparent Gadhafi supporters appeared to have been executed on the lawn of an abandoned hotel in Sirte last week. It said some had their hands tied behind their backs when they were killed, apparently between Oct. 15 and Wednesday.
EGYPT: Police officers begin nationwide strike.
Thousands of Egyptian police launched a nationwide strike Monday to demand better salaries and a purge of former regime officials from senior security posts.
About 3,000 lower-ranking police rallied in front of the Interior Ministry in central Cairo to push their demands, including a 200 percent pay raise. They also called for an end to military trials for lower-ranking police.
Outside Cairo, police blocked main roads and shut down police stations.
Denver Post wire services
