Stop the slaughter in Libya, says TUC

Stop the slaughter in Libya, says TUC

TUC General Secretary Brendan Barber has today written to Foreign Secretary William Hague urging him to step up the pressure on the Libyan regime to immediately end the atrocities against demonstrators, and bring those responsible to justice.

22 February 2011

Dear William

Violent repression in Libya

The TUC is horrified by the violent repression over the last few days in Libya, where at least 300 protestors have been killed and thousands more injured. I am writing to you to urge you to pursue all avenues to end the atrocities of the 42-year old tyranny of Colonel Gaddafi.

The authorities have responded to the legitimate demands of the people for their fundamental rights and freedoms by dragging the country into a terrible bloodbath. We unreservedly condemn the violence being used against protestors, including the intimidation and detention of journalists. We support the efforts of Libya's workers to pressure the government to change, particularly those on strike in the Nafoora oilfield.

I understand that the Foreign Office has been an active in seeking solutions to the crisis. I urge you to step up the pressure on the regime, including through the EU and the UN Security Council, to immediately end this ferocious repression, bring the perpetrators to justice, and to put in place immediate political, economic and social reforms.

Yours sincerely

BRENDAN BARBER

General Secretary