LIBYANS marched on Bournemouth Square yesterday, joining in the international cries for Colonel Gaddafi to step down.

Calls of “Get out Gaddafi”, “No more lies” and “Have mercy Gaddafi” rang through the town as around 100 protestors took a stand against the 42-year-old regime.

Libyan-born Diab Alhmeel, who owns the meet@net café in Old Christchurch Road, organised the event after reports of violent clashes between Libyan security forces and freedom protestors.

Mr Alhmeel said: “The killing of around 400 people, including innocent children at the hands of heavy machinery, are too far.

“One of my friends over there has been arrested. It’s total revolution inside and out.

“Events in Egypt have helped by giving us a bit of hope, but first and foremost this is about freedom.”

Mr Alhmeel, who moved to Bournemouth 12 years ago, said he galvanised fellow Libyans and supporters of other nationalities through Facebook and word of mouth.

Police were aware of the demo.

Student Aimen Elmejerbi, 21, has been here for two years.

He said: “Gaddafi has cut all chords of communication because he doesn’t want the international scene to find out what’s going on.

“I can’t get hold of my parents, grandparents or brothers and sisters. I want to go back, I’m so worried.”

He added: “I had to stand up against this criminal killing of people. Gaddafi is not a leader, and he does nothing for Libya. I have been waiting for this day: after four decades, enough is enough.

“We have been living in fear too long. There are no jobs, people are really poor and live a miserable life. Gaddafi has always said that people control their own lives, but they can’t.

“He and his sons do whatever they like and it’s criminal.”