Gaddafi's followers told to leave him now to prevent more bloodshed
Anti Gaddafi forces have given the dictator's remaining followers a last chance to leave him now and avert a bloodbath in the next few days.
Mustapha AbdelJalil Photo: AFP
By Nick Meo, Tobruk 11:02AM GMT 26 Feb 2011
The regime's former justice minister made a final appeal by radio in an attempt to bring an end to Colonel Gaddafi's rule without massive slaughter.
Gaddafi's enemies believe his 42-year rule will be over within days, but fear after his speech on Friday that he will order a massive attack on civilians as his final act.
They are also deeply concerned that regime supporters will be massacred by an angry populous unless they give up now. Their worst fear is that the new free Libya will be born in blood.
Mustafa Mohamed Abud Al Jeleil, 59, was the first minister to turn against Colonel Gaddafi when the uprising started.
Dr Juma Abdul, an aide to the former Minister, said: "This appeal is the last chance for them to leave Gaddafi, so the Libyan people will forgive them.
"We are trying to stop the bloodshed in Tripoli."
Opposition forces hope that Mr Gaddafi's own security guards will now turn against him to end the bloodshed. Alternatively some privately hope he can be persuaded to leave the country for a life in exile, with Zimbabwe considered one possibility.
But with the mood of anger against the dictator few will voice such a proposal in public.
Leaders of the revolt believe Gaddafi's downfall is imminent, but they are deeply worried that hundreds or even thousands of innocents could die in Tripoli before he is gone.
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