Over 1,000 inmates escape from Libya prison

More than 1,000 detainees escaped from a prison near the eastern Libyan city of Benghazi in a massive jailbreak

More than 1,000 detainees escaped from a prison near the eastern Libyan city of Benghazi in a massive jailbreak Saturday,as protesters stormed the offices of political parties in Libyas main cities.

It wasnt immediately clear if the jailbreak at the Koyfiya prison came as part of the protests or if inmates received outside help. Protesters had massed across the country angry over the killing of an activist critical of the countrys Muslim Brotherhood group.

Those who escaped either face or were convicted of serious charges,a security official at Koyfiya prison said,confirming the jailbreak.

There also was confusion initially about how many prisoners broke out,with numbers of escapees ranging as high as 1,200,

Benghazis security situation is among the most precarious in post-revolution Libya. Last year,the US ambassador and three other Americans were killed in an attack there.

Meanwhile Saturday,hundreds gathered in the capital Tripoli after dawn prayers,denouncing the Friday shooting death of Abdul-Salam Al-Musmari. They set fire to tires in the street and demanded the dissolution of Islamist parties.

The two incidents highlighted Libyas precarious security situation and the challenges the North African country faces as it tries to restore security nearly than two years after the ouster and killing of dictator Muammar Gaddafi.

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In Tripoli,protesters appeared to be inspired by events in neighbouring Egypt.

We dont want the Brotherhood,we want the army and the police, Libyan protesters chanted,repeating a slogan also used in Egypt. Libyas nascent security forces are struggling to control the countrys militias,most of whom have roots in the rebel groups that overthrew Gaddafi in 2011.

Al-Musmari,who used to publicly criticize the Brotherhood,was killed by unknown assailants in a drive-by shooting in Benghazi.

Witnesses say a Brotherhood party office was also stormed in Benghazi.