Outrage grows over Hammerl’s killing

By Lelethu Mquqo
21 May 2011

The New York based Human Rights Watch and the Committee to Protect Journalists have called on Libya to release the body of slain South African photographer Anton Hammerl.

The activists also want the country to investigate the role the armed forces played in his death.

The South African government yesterday accused Libyan leader, including Muammar Gaddafi, of repeatedly lying about the fact that they knew that Hammerl had been dead for weeks.

The Committee to Protect Journalists says Libya’s actions are not only cruel, but also unlawful.

The ANC has, meanwhile, also said it was incensed by the Libyan government's use of force against civilians and journalists.

In a statement, the ruling party says it is particularly disappointed by the dishonesty of the Libyan government, which assured the world the Hammerl was alive and in custody.

The ANC says that raised the hopes of his family and friends, only to be crushed later.

Efforts are now being made to retrieve the cameraman’s body.