Libyan activists on Twitter reported that up to 400 protesters had begun marching late Thursday in the capital Tripoli, despite reports of deaths earlier in they day in other parts of the country. Protesters are calling for the ouster of leader Moamer Gaddafi, who has been in power for 41 years. They have also called for more employment opportunities, reform and democracy. Protesters, emboldened by the popular revolts in Tunisia and Egypt, have called this the "Day of Anger."
Opposition websites and activists wrote that four protesters were killed by security forces in the northern city of Ajdabiya on Thursday. The opposition website Libya Al-Youm reported that six more protesters were shot dead by security forces in Benghazi, also on the northern Mediterranean coast.
At least 38 people were injured in Benghazi earlier this week when police clashed with hundreds of demonstrators there. Authorities have said they would not tolerate any public unrest. The Quryna newspaper, which is owned by Gaddafi's son Saif al-Islam, referred to the Benghazi protesters as "saboteurs" in earlier reports.
The protests in Benghazi were sparked by the arrest of activist and lawyer Fathi Turbil, who was reportedly freed earlier this week. Libya Al-Youm reported that large anti-government demonstrations were taking place in the northern coastal city of Darnah, as well.
A day earlier four people were reportedly killed in clashes in one of Libya's largest cities, Bayda. Security sources told the German Press Agency dpa that a security official in Bayda was sacked following the protesters' deaths. The opposition website Al-Watan reported that up to 4,000 people took to the streets in Bayda after burying those killed the day before. Security forces reportedly opened fire at the protesters when they marched towards the central police station in Bayda. Two people were seriously injured, said Libya Al-Youm.
Libyans on Twitter reported that internet in the country was unstable and broadcaster Al Jazeera, which has been covering the popular uprisings across the Middle East, was inaccessible via Libya's satellite provider. The group Enoughgaddafi said on Twitter that its website had been hacked and domain cancelled.