An unsurprising development

Former Libyan Dictator Muammar Gaddafi

In spite of his recent death, former Libyan Dictator Muammar Gaddafi is already an internationally recognized tyrant - even before the story broke that reveals that he was a participant in sex slavery.

An online story published by DNAIndia.com gives a brief account retold to reporter Annick Cojean about a 15-year-old victim of Gaddafi's participation in sex slavery. The girl is given the pseudonym "Soraya." Soraya's full story is published in her book - see Goodreads review.

Gaddafi paid a visit to Soraya's school in 2004 - she was chosen to present him with a bouquet of flowers on purpose as Gaddafi's "people" had Soraya in mind for sex slavery from the beginning of the visit. After the visit, she "was driven for hours through the desert, had blood taken and her breasts measured before being stripped and shaved." After she arrived at Gaddafi's home, she "was escorted to his [Gaddafi's] bedroom and was shocked to find him naked." Soraya learned to believe that Gaddafi's actions were for her own good - he referred to himself as her "Papa," in spite of being dressed in a "thong and low-cut white satin dress."

Apparently, Soraya was not the only victim of Gaddafi's lust. A group of girls - kept around for the same purposes - were regularly instructed to perform oral sex on Gaddafi. He provided Soraya instructions to "watch and learn" while the other girls participated.

The story closes by indicating that even after Gaddafi's death, the families of girls like Soraya have been unforgiving about the girls having sex prior to marriage.

Now, I'm not one for the death penalty. However - before I heard about Gaddafi's double secret homebound brothel, I would be lying if I said that I didn't think he that deserved to die. I don't like to play God - but maybe God had a point by eliminating Gaddafi from humanity, even if it was death by slaying.

Possibly the most entertaining part to the story published online - not necessarily Soraya's story - would have to be the comments. The readership finds Soraya's story to be false, and one even really doesn't have their head on straight when he (she?) cries out "Long live Gaddafi."

It's bad enough that Libya had a tyrannical dictator as its leader for so long - but he had to exemplify his apparent love for oppression by capturing girls like Soraya, and forcing them to perform sexual acts. It's no wonder that the U.S. cannot reduce the list of countries unwilling to cooperate with anti-trafficking legislation - how can foreign governments, such as the government of Libya, for example, participate in such legislation when its leader is an active participant in acts involving sex slavery?

The development may be outrageous, but it isn't surprising. I have to say that after reading this story, I am tempted to pick up Soraya's book. I want to get in touch with the shame that she must feel after being raped by her nation's leader, and with the fear that did not seem to stop her from getting her story out into the public sphere.

Also, shame on the families of these girls. How evil must your God be to not forgive your daughters for being captured for the purposes of sex? For all you know, they may have been trying to protect you by not speaking out. Not to say that it's not awful to be part of a brothel in any capacity, but if you're in custody of your nation's dictator, you never know. Your parents - who are now unforgiving of your acts - could have gone to jail for your speaking out.