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Hundreds Rally For Libya In San Francisco

SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS) – Hundreds of people gathered in San Francisco this weekend in support of anti-government Libyans.

The rally came as President Barack Obama called for Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi to step down.

Among those in attendance was Jamal Buzayan, who fled the country 36 years ago.  He was tortured in public after protesting against the regime and calling for a constitution.

"What's important is not my personal story. What's important is the story of people in Libya by the thousands who are victimized by a gang of criminals, Gadhafi and his children," said Buzayan. "They had no legitimacy, but the international community accepted them."

KCBS' Margie Shafer Reports:

Buzayan said he wants the international community to help implement a no-fly zone, so that Gadhafi will be prevented from using his airplanes to hit civilians and bring more mercenaries into the country.

"We need the United Nations to go to the International Criminal Court and issue an arrest warrant," he said. "They need to go and arrest him and put him in a trial."

President Obama said Gadhafi has lost the legitimacy to rule with the violence he has shown against his own people. The Libyan leader has vowed to die a martyr.

(© 2011 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)

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