Gaddafi’s favorite journalist dies in prison

Libyan pro-Gaddafi journalist and presenter Halah al-Misrati has died in prison, according to an Al Arabiya news report.  Misrati, whose popularity increased during last year’s uprising, has reportedly been tortured and was found dead in her jail cell. The National Transitional Council (NTC) has not commented on the report, so far.  Her family have not confirmed her death, although they have said she is in a dangerous situation. She attracted public attention in August when she appearied on Libyan TV brandishing a handgun threatening rebels trying to oust Gaddafi. Soon after, the strong supporter of Muammar Gaddafi was allegedly kidnapped by rebels during the fall of Tripoli. Halah al-Misrati was last seen in a video holding a piece of paper dated 30 December 2011.