The city of Zawiya witnessed popular protests on Thursday following the circulation of video clips that activists said were of "youth being tortured by African mercenaries inside the headquarters of a militia" in the city.

The clips that were widely circulated showed scenes of torture, beating, and flogging of a number of young men.

One of the victims was allegedly killed by his torturers, who also kidnapped his brother.

A number of angry demonstrators closed the valves of the Zawiya refinery at dawn and then gathered in front of the local security directorate, demanding the dismissal of its chief.

One blogger said that what is happening in Zawiya was "not new", as the city has been witnessing a "significant deterioration in the security situation".

Another activist wondered how young Libyans from the city would fall “victims at the hands of African expatriates” who “boast” about their actions “and send clips to each other?”, calling for “a popular movement to put an end to that farce.”