LIBYA: Libyans mark "Child Martyrs Day" to remember children killed during the uprising against the former regime

Record ID: 173852

  • Title: LIBYA: Libyans mark "Child Martyrs Day" to remember children killed during the uprising against the former regime
  • Date: 22nd March 2012
  • Summary: (SOUNDBITE) (Arabic) DIRECTOR OF THE PLAY, BASEM BEN AMER, SAYING: "On the 19th, we want to remember our young brothers and sisters who died, whose lives suddenly ended. We would like to make a sculpture in their memory, hopefully the government will have a memorial stone ready by this time next year."
  • Embargoed: 6th April 2012 13:00
  • Keywords:
  • Location: Libya, Libya
  • Country: Libya
  • Topics: Politics
  • Reuters ID: LVAB7O6JSEKF8IS5G1NTIQ9BFRKF
  • Story Text: A group of Libyans in Tripoli marked Monday (March 19) as a day to remember children who died in the country's uprising against Muammar Gaddafi's rule.
    A non-government organisation that organised the event said the seven months of fighting left deep psychological scars on children.
    "We want this day to honour the children martyrs in Libya. We've organised a simple performance to try to show the stages children went through throughout the revolution, negative effects and psychological effects, so this is a very simple performance for the children to speak through and show their emotions," said organiser Sami Kasem.
    Performances by children marked the day.
    Organisers said they will ask the ruling National Transitional Council to recognise March 19 formally as children's day.
    "On the 19th, we want to remember our young brothers and sisters who died, whose lives suddenly ended. We would like to make a sculpture in their memory, hopefully the government will have a memorial stone ready by this time next year," said Basem Ben Amer, who directed a play for the event.
    Thousands of people --fighters and civilians -- were killed during fighting against Gaddafi's forces. Figures for children casualties are not available.
    Schools were closed for months in several cities during the uprising, and psychologists said months of shelling and gunfire affected the mental health of people, especially children.
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