http://nifcrimes.com/Libya_redacted.pdf8. Already in January 2011, GADDAFI began to prepare to counter Libyans who,
inspired by the success of the democratic revolutions in the neighbouring countries,
would begin to plan demonstrations against his regime. GADDAFI started
organising the crackdown immediately: he appeared on television on 15 January
2011, a day after the then‐president of Tunisia stepped down, to warn those who
wanted to follow the model of the Tunisian uprising. GADDAFI also gathered tribal
leaders, professionals and journalists and threatened them with reprisals should they
join the protests. Nevertheless, Libyans organized protests for 17 February through
internet social networks and other means.
9. During the days preceding the uprising, GADDAFI met regularly with ALSENUSSI
and SAIF AL‐ISLAM to plan the repression of the protest: GADDAFI
authorized the mobilisation of Security Forces, including members of the
Revolutionary Committees, and the recruitment of mercenaries. He appointed his
son Saadi as mayor of Benghazi to deal with the protests in mid‐February 2011.
Using GADDAFI’s control over the judiciary, prisoners charged with ordinary crimes
were released to create chaos and participate in demonstrations in support of
GADDAFI. As of 16 February 2011, one day before the escalation of the crimes
against civilians, the State‐owned telecommunication networks under the control of
Muhammad, GADDAFI’s eldest son, sent SMS messages to all phones in the Libyan
system containing threats against “anybody who tries to touch the four red lines,”
one of which requires absolute respect for GADDAFI’s power.
10. SAIF AL‐ISLAM took an active role in the recruitment of foreign mercenaries,
who were placed under the command of various structures within the Security
Forces, and the provision of resources for the Security Forces.
11. On 17 February, mass demonstrations commenced in Benghazi, Tripoli and
other cities of Libya calling for the end of GADDAFI’s regime. Thousands of
demonstrators marched through the streets of the city center of Benghazi.