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Martyrs Day Libya 2018

Date: 
Sunday, September 16, 2018

Martyrs' Day is a Libyan public holiday observed on September 16.

It was designated to honor the memory of Libyans who were killed or exiled under Italian rule and those who died during the so-called Day of Revolt (February 17, 2011) and the Libyan Civil War.

Italian colonization of Libya started in the early 20th century and ended in 1934, when Italian Libya was officially formed.

The colony existed until February 1947, when the former Italian Empire lost its colonies after the defeat in WWII.

During Mussolini's rule, thousands of Libyans were sent to concentration camps.

At least 80,000 people were killed in fighting against the colonial authorities or died through disease and starvation.

Day of Revolt was one of the most important events of the Libyan Civil War.

On February 17, 2011, opposition groups launched mass protests against Muammar Gaddafi.

Peaceful protesters were killed by police, snipers, and gunfire from helicopters.

These protests eventually evolved into a widespread uprising against Gaddafi's regime.

On September 16 every year, Libyans commemorate those who fell victim to the dictatorial regimes of Benito Mussolini and Muammar Gaddafi.

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