Revolutionaries cautioned about damaging civilian property

Though Muammar Gadhafi’s forces in Libya have been accused of much worse, including indiscriminate shelling of civilian areas and laying land mines, a Human Rights Watch (HRW) report said that revolutionary forces have been engaged in damaging civilian property.
HRW called on revolutionary commanders to hold their fighters responsible for such acts.
“Opposition forces have an obligation to protect civilians and their property in the areas they control so people feel they can return home safely and rebuild their lives,” said Joe Stork, the group’s deputy Middle East and North Africa director.
Revolutionary commanders could not be immediately reached for comment.
HRW quoted one commander as acknowledging that some abuses had taken place, but denying that such acts were policy.