It sounds like the script of a movie, but the story of how American Matthew VanDyke ended up in the hands of the Gadhafi regime is very real. VanDyke traveled to Libya to help friends living there just as the war broke out between the rebels and the loyalists. He was captured in Brega, hit over the head and awoke in a prison cell. He was placed in solitary confinement twice, for 85 and then 76 days, before essentially escaping on August 24.
VanDyke, who is still in Tripoli, and his mother, Sharon VanDyke tell the story of their experience.
Comments [2]
"just as the war broke out between the rebels and the loyalists."
Rubbish! War was declared by NATO to secure corporate profits and investments in Libya.
Tens of thousands dead.
He thinks Libya will be the envy of North Africa? Libya already had the highest standard of living in Africa before the NATO attacks. Now that's all being destroyed. And we claim to not have troops on the ground? Obviously Matthew Van Dyke is working for American intelligence services. Who knew imperialism would make such a comeback in the 21st century? I guess without the Soviets there as a balance the West feels like it can revive it's 19th century glory days. Well, don't be surprised by the inevitable blowback.
Leave a Comment
Register for your own account so you can vote on comments, save your favorites, and more. Learn more.
Please stay on topic, be civil, and be brief.
Email addresses are never displayed, but they are required to confirm your comments. Names are displayed with all comments. We reserve the right to edit any comments posted on this site. Please read the Comment Guidelines before posting. By leaving a comment, you agree to New York Public Radio's Privacy Policy and Terms Of Use.