Libyans are expressing their outrage over the burning of the U.S. Consulate in Benghazi on the streets in Libya and online following the death of U.S. Ambassador Christopher Stevens and three other Americans.
According to unconfirmed sources, 10 Libyan security force members at the consulate also died in the attacks.
The response from Libyans in the U.S. and in Benghazi has been to apologize for what happened in their country, calling it “terrorism.”
About 300 Libyans gathered in Alshajra Square on Wednesday and more are expected to gather on Friday.
Najla Daghman, a 44-year-old Libyan eye doctor and activist, says the protests are just the beginning of how Libyans want to make amends for the deaths.
“First of all, I just want to tell how sorry we are for this attack,” said Daghman by phone from Benghazi on Thursday. “We wish you can tell the families our condolences. ... And we wish we can protect them better next time.”
Daghman adds that locals there are forming an organization to spearhead an effort to reconstruct the consulate. “People Gathered Together for Benghazi as Economic Capitol” is the rough translation of the name of the organization, she says, adding that she has been asked to become a member and join a meeting this weekend.
