Having grown up under the oppressive leadership of Muammar Gadhafi in Libya, Professor Jaballa Hasan prevailed and escaped Gadhafi's ruling to live and share his story.
Professor Hasan experienced the conditions of Gadhafi's ruling first hand while he witnessed the murder of twenty five college students.
“I saw 25 students,” Hasan said. “At the University of Benghazi where they were hanged.”
“They were speaking their minds. They wanted to be free. They tried to organize opposition.”
In the past few weeks the world has seen Gadhafi's leadership unravel as the citizens of Libya take it to the streets in protest to do their best to get Gadhafi to step down.
Many Libyans residing in the U.S. have also done their part in protesting for the freedom their fellow people yearn for.
In Houston, Texas protesters joined the call for change by taking to the streets in the galleria area, professor Hasan participated in the protest as well.
The rebellion first began in February 17, 2006 and gained momentum when the Egyptians and Tunisians won their freedom.
According to Hasan hundreds of thousands Libyans where inspired by these events.
When asked what sparked the uprising Hasan replied “They wanted to be free.”
The people of Libya have let Gadhafi rule for the past 42 years, some may find it quite insane to endure his cruel treatment for so long but many Libyans understand why.
“Well they are conditioned in a state of fear,” Hasan said.
Hasan was arrested on April 7, 1996 because he was suspected of being a part of the CIA.
“I found myself under surveillance,” Hasan said. “They recorded all my lectures in the class room and then after four and a half years I ended up in solitary confinement for five days.”
This is not the first case of invasion of privacy Gadhafi had done; the people of Libya have also stated that their phone calls are being recorded by Gadhafi.
Hasan said that Gadhafi uses a “Green Book” that only had information about him and his terms of living in it.
It was said that this “Green Book” is used as an exit exam for students; they have to memorize everything about Gadhafi that is stated in this book.
In 1996 after years of mistreatment Hasan fled from Libya and moved to the United States in search of a better life.
“This is beyond belief,” Hasan said. “I know no one can associate with what is going on in Libya. I am lucky to be alive.”
“With Gadhafi out of Libya, we have no choice but to prevail.”
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