Human Rights Watch reports abuses in western mountain towns
Anti-Gadhafi rebels in the mountains of western Libya have reportedly looted houses and abused residents of four towns recently seized from government forces. The violence and damage is against suspected Gadhafi loyalists, according to Human Rights Watch. The organization said the looting in al-Awaniya, Rayaniyah, Qawalish and Zawiyat al-Bagul included many businesses and that homes were burnt. At least two medical centres are also deserted, and suspected loyalists have reportedly been beaten. The findings were released as the French government says Moammar Gadhafi is prepared to step down as the country’s leader.