Libyan Protesters Set Govt Building on Fire

An image taken 21 February 2011 from an undated video released on YouTube allegedly shows demonstrators against Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi destroying a monument in Tobruk, Libya on February 17. Photo by EPA/BGNES

Libyan anti-government protesters have set on fire a government building in the capital Tripoli, as uprising continues to spread across the country.

The burning building is where the General People's Congress, or Parliament, meets for its regular sessions in Tripoli, ABC News reported.

According to witnesses, demonstrators had also set on fire other public buildings in the capital overnight, including government offices and police stations.

Two headquarters of state Al-Jamahiriya Two television and Al-Shababia radio have been ransacked, a witness said. Broadcasts on both channels were interrupted Sunday, but resumed on Monday morning.

The violence in Libya escalated on Monday, with thousands of protesters taking to the streets in Tripoli, demanding the resignation of the leader Muammar Gaddafi, who ruled the country for four decades.

The unrest, which is the worst in Gaddafi's rule, started off as a series of protests inspired by the protests in Tunisia and Egypt.

Demonstrators have reportedly taken control of much of the city of Benghazi. Hospitals have stated they are struggling to cope with the number of casualties.

Earlier on Monday, Gaddafi's son, Sayf al-Islam, issued a warning of looming civil war in the country.

In his address, Sayf al-Islam, criticized protesters as "drunkards and thugs," but also promised significant political reforms. He admitted that the police and army had made "mistakes", pointing out the death toll was far lower than reported.

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