Internationally Celebrated Libyan Human Rights Hero, Finds Refuge in the US

Internationally Celebrated Libyan Human rights Hero, found refuge in the US.

Eman Al-Obeidy, was welcomed into the US after 54 days in a U.N. refugee camp. She gained admiration and support of thousands worldwide for facing probable death to speak out about Gadhafi's alleged use of rape as a weapon of war.

The 54 day stay is only the last part of a journey that began in March when, Al- Obeidy gained worldwide attention after she snuck past government guards at the door of the Rixos hotel in Tripoli. Before being swept away by government officials, she successful made a clear statement to the International media as they set down to breakfast. Within minutes, she divulged her story of kidnap, gang rape and torture. Government officials, some of which were posing as hotel employees attacked her and attempted to cover her head with a jacket. Video was captured of the event as government employees attacked members of the media and attempted to confiscate all cameras or recording devices. The scuffle resulted in some physical injuries and loss of equipment yet, some video was aired. Seconds before she was put into a vehicle in front of the Hotel she was recorded saying, "If you do not see me anymore that is it."

Al-Obeidy told Journalist she, a native of rebel held eastern Libya, was taken from a roadside check point in Gadaffi controlled Tripoli and kept hogtied for 2 days in a villa. She shouted that she, as well as other women, was tortured inside the Villa. She said that she was told this was done to send a message to Libyan rebels. She says she escaped after being raped repeatedly by as many as 15 solders, raped anally with a rifle, repeatedly told she would be killed, defecated and urinated on, and not allowed to use the bathroom for this entire 2 day period of time. Due to her constant defiance, alcohol was poured into her eyes to temporarily blind her.

The Arab spring has many puzzled. Yet, a certain overflow of support followed Al-Obeidy. Dozens of facebook groups sprung up within hours. One Group grew to almost to 9 thousand members. Thousands of letters were written to her on discussion boards. Hundreds of thousands of people signed various petitions that demanded fair treatment for her. Defiance of one woman struck the hearts of many and fueled an overwhelming flow of support.