Libya: Mixed Emotions in Eid

Residents of Libya’s capital, Tripoli came together on Wednesday to celebrate the end of the holy month of Ramadan, Eid.
Children were dressed in their best clothing, celebrating with both the young and elderly in a festive atmosphere.

Eid came at a time when Libyans were celebrating the end of a four decade rule under Muammar Qaddafi’s power. Libyan rebels seized the capital only a week ago.

"The Eid is perfect, thank God. We have two celebrations: the blessed Eid al-Fitr and a celebration of happiness after we got rid of the tyrant and won our freedom. It is the first time we have a feeling of freedom. It is the first Eid in 42 years where we feel it is a blessed Eid, a perfect one," said Mohammed Hureishi, a local.

"We're excited, we're really happy. Finally the day has come. We have been waiting for this day for over four decades and now it is here, finally. Look at all the Libyan people praying to their god, thanking god for the day that we have been waiting for so long, since 1969 it is finally here. We finally smell freedom. We're finally holding our real flag, not the weird green thing," said Hadeel Karshi, a student.

"You cannot stay in this place with a dictator. He was ruling the country, he was absolutely....you cannot describe this person, the way he was dealing, the way he was killing, the way he was ruling people here. We are free, free Libya, we are free, it's freedom. We got rid of him. No more Gaddafi today, no more Gaddafi today!" said a resident.


On a darker note, many residents gathered at Tripoli’s renamed Martyr Square to mourn the death of those who lost their lives in the clashes that spanned over 6 months.

The new council is set to bring back a sense of normalcy for residents by resuming basic services such as water and electricity.

Speakers:

Various residents of Tripoli

Voice:

Abdullah Madani