Meeting Mohammad Ali al-Zahawi involving Libyan Ansar al-Sharia
18 June 2012Last updated found at 14:5 GMT Share this page Delicious Digg Facebook reddit StumbleUpon Twitter Email Print Meeting Mohammad Ali al-Zahawi in Libyan Ansar al-Sharia By Ahmed MaherBBC Arabic, Benghazi Continue looking at the main article Anti-Islam film protests Q&A: Anti-Islam show Protest illustrations or photos What explains the protests? Diplomat danger Mohammad Ali al-Zahawi, typically the commander for Libya's largest Islamist brigade, shouldn't be known concerning Benghazi residents like a person who really wants to attract new media attention. But also from recent days to weeks Ansar al-Sharia has come within the spotlight. The passing of US ambassador Captain christopher Stevens in a military-style infiltration on the United states consulate in Benghazi was initially the latest part of abuse attributed to their brigade - despite the fact no research has guaranteed such claims. In an unusual transfer, Mr Zahawi accepted give his / her first job to an abroad broadcaster - supplying a view into his ideology. Continue perusing the main story“Beginning QuoteOur brave youths continue their have a problem until many people impose Sharia”Conclude QuoteMohammad Ali al-ZahawiCommander of Ansar al-Sharia "We definitely are a brigade not a exercise," she or he told BBC Arabic TV at the brigade's fortified head office in the heartland connected with Libya's second leading city. "We structured our brigade after the toppling eso power leveling regarding tyrant [Muammar] Gaddafi. "We took part in the actual liberation in Libya but now they may be many brigades with some other ideologies." If your dust complete after the internecine battle last year, several brigades have emerged across Libya. Endeavors by ruling officials to help encourage their particular commanders to disarm have got almost showed futile. Ansar al-Sharia isn't a exception. "It isn't the right time you give up much of our arms merely because we are within the battle with the actual liberals, the secularists and also the remnants about Gaddafi," identified Mr Zahawi, Forty four, who was making use of jeans as well as a black checked shirt. Stressed The brigade's building is merely minutes out of the city center. A group of very much armed boys with raising beards mans the primary entrance. We were holding nervous relating to our camera system. The guidelines were distinct: Do not indicate our facets and no recording inside. Inside of, our exercise was available to one place and its hooked up hall where we interviewed Mr Zahawi. Your brigade is working openly similar to many others as being the ousting of Col Gaddafi during the past year. The interview seemed to be closely watched just by bodyguards with the exceptional media aide And they have a target they have not attained yet. "Our bold youths will continue their particular struggle until they inflict Sharia," Mister Zahawi said with assurance. The brigade has an ultra-conservative interpretation involving Islam. Mr Zahawi confirmed in the interview which usually his brigade previously had demolished and even desecrated Sufi shrines in Benghazi, that regard for the reason that idolatrous. "It is a spiritual duty to clear out these shrines because those worship typically the deceased and this is prohibited. It is not myself who claims so rather our religion." 'No al-Qaeda link' Mr Zahawi believes that the U . s . has an end goal. The US consulate in Benghazi was place on fire a while back, killing Ambassador Stevens "Make not any mistake, there is a massive U . s onslaught about Muslim areas. The crusaders plan to occupy your countries and then act as many of our guardians. They just do not respect our own sovereignty," he explained. His brigade had been not linked to al-Qaeda nevertheless he diligently approves of that strategy, he was quoted RMT777 eso gold saying. "Al-Qaeda's strategy is directed at weakening You hegemony on the Muslim nation," he said. Quizzed what this guy thinks of latest statements given by al-Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahiri, Mister Zahawi said: "Such assertions are a wake-up will need Muslims. "They help galvanise the particular Muslim land, maintain the nation's dignity and pride. "Sheikh Ayman al-Zawahiri is certainly keen on shielding Muslim protection under the law." Mister Zahawi reiterated his brigade weren't behind your attack about 12 June on the US consulate in Benghazi. But she stopped besides condemning the fatality of the You and me ambassador. "Do you think that killing with the US ambassador one is the most heinous than the a lot of insults made with regards to the Prophet, peace often be upon her?" the guy asked. The Usa ambassador and about three other You and me consulate staff were killed after the consulate was established ablaze found in protests through an anti-Islam picture made in the american. "I swear by Who that we are able to tolerate the particular killing of their people in addition to wiping just about all countries there are various map and yet we cannot accept a single swear word which might hurt our prophet," he explained. "They are weeping pails on this ambassador nonetheless they won't eliminate any tears when a multitude of Muslims are sprained in these protests against the blasphemous roll film." After 55 minutes the interview - that is closely watched during by his / her armed safeguards and his newspaper and tv assistant - came to an end. We had expected it to be a short business meeting, but Mister Zahawi had positive and warmed to your partner's subject. He shook some of our hands cordially before everyone left, however this good manner don't extend to the guards who seem to escorted us to vehicle.
Reaching Mohammad Ali al-Zahawi of Libyan Ansar al-Sharia