Libyan officials bar reporters from leaving hotel
Say their presence could trigger violence from Qaeda
Libyan authorities blocked foreign journalists from leaving their hotel to report on protests by opponents of Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi after Friday prayers, despite assurances and invitation extended by Gaddafi's son Saif al-Islam for journalists to visit Libya to get in close touch with the real situation there.
Both Gaddafi and his son have completely denied the presence of any violence or crimes against humanity committed against the Libyan people.
When journalists including Reuters reporters tried to walk out of the gates of the main media hotel, to the south of Tripoli city center, security guards blocked their way.
A Libyan government spokesman said journalists were being kept in the Rixos hotel because their presence could trigger violence from what he described as affiliates of al-Qaeda, according to Reuters.
"These are exceptional circumstances. I know you're going to talk about it and twist it the way you want," said the spokesman Moussa Ibrahim. "We are preparing to pay this price of preventing you guys from reporting to avoid turning Tripoli into Baghdad."
A revolt against Gaddafi's four-decade rule has left the eastern side of the country, and several towns elsewhere, in rebel control with the capital now his principal strong-hold.
Overnight, gunshots could be heard outside the Rixos hotel. Ibrahim said the firing was an attempt by the rebels to disturb stability in central Tripoli.
About 130 journalists are in the hotel after being invited to Libya on an officially-organized media visit. Their movements are monitored by officials.