the EXECUTION OF OMAR AL MUKHTAR

16 SEPTEMBER 1931

Aerial View of the execution of Omar Al Mukhtar at Soluq, 16 September 1931

The execution of Omar al Mukhtar, took place at Saluq concentration camp, south of Benghazi on the day after the trial: 16th of September 1931. He was 73 at the time of his death.1.

Italian officials and military forced the interned indigenous population, estimated to number some twenty thousand, and mostly supporters and allies of Omar, to be present at the hanging. They also brought members of the Libyan establishment, Libyan leaders and officials, to witness the execution, to reinforce what would be in store for themselves and others who helped the patriot forces2.

Omar Al Mukhtar, led to his execution, 16 September 1931

Omar's execution denotes a disturbing chapter in Libyan history and had a deep impact on the Libyan people and their continuing struggle for independence. His unwavering pledge to freedom and justice for all, even at the cost of his own life, continues to inspire them in their pursuit of stable and prosperous nationhood. He was and will always remain ‘The Lion of the Desert’.

The Execution of Omar Al Mukhtar by the Italian Colonial Army, 16 September 1931, below and right. The Omar Al Mukhtar Mausoleum Collection.

FOOTNOTES.

  1. As-Sallabi, Ali Muhammad. Omar Al Mokhtar Lion of the Desert. London: Al Firdous, 2011. Pg.179.

  2. Evans-Pritchard, E.E. . The Sanusi of Cyrenaica. Oxford: Oxford University Press.1954. Pg.190.

  3. As-Sallabi, Ali Muhammad. Omar Al Mokhtar Lion of the Desert. London: Al Firdous, 2011. Pg.180-181.