Libya to become Islamic sharia law state

Mustafa Abdul-Jalil, the leader of Libya's interim government, spoke publicly in Tripoli, asking the crowds to strive for a civil, democratic state. He urged the crowd to avoid vigilante attacks and promised a state that would have Islamic sharia law as the basis of legislation. 

TRIPOLI, LIBYA (Catholic Online) - Cheering crowds greeted the speech in Libya's Martyr's Square, as the largest public gathering of the National Transitional Council (NTC) since the fall of Tripoli took place. Abdul-Jalil, who is the current head of the NTC, was formerly Gaddafi's minister of justice before he defected to the rebels at the start of the uprising. He pledged, "We strive for a state of the law, for a state of prosperity, for a state that will have Islamic sharia law the basis of legislation."

Sharia is the basis of law for several countries including Saudi Arabia and Iran, and is practiced in a variety of Islamic enclaves throughout the world. It is notable for its typically severe punishments for crimes such as theft, and adultery.

In other developments, Gaddafi's son Saadi, who recently appeared in Niger, has been detained, according to that country's officials. Nigerian authorities say they are studying what to do with him. Niger appears to be a popular place of refuge for Gaddafi regime loyalists, at least 32 high-ranking officials have arrived in the country in the past week. 

Gaddafi meanwhile, still claims to be resisting the rebels in Libya. Syrian television broadcast a message from the ousted dictator who did not actually appear on television, "for security reasons." The point of the statement was to emphasize that Gaddafi was continuing to fight the rebels and has not fled the country as previously suggested in a series of rumors. 

Fighting continues around the village of Bani Walid, as rebels are struggling to clear out one of the last pro-Gaddafi strongholds in the country. High ranking loyalists, including two of Gaddafi's sons are rumored to be defending the town.

How do you feel about the NTC's pledge to introduce Islamic Sharia law? Post your comments below. 

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