Colonel Gadhafi led a military coup in 1969 that failed in Benghazi . Moftah , an anti-government protester who did not give his full name for security reasons , said Gadhafi `` always plays on fear '' -- relying on a broad network of intelligence agents , secret police and others . He now faced his first real popular uprising in 42 years , in Benghazi . Gadhafi has been controversial internationally and has become more a statesman lately . His government has increased communication and freedom , experts and journalists say .
Colonel Gadhafi led a military coup in 1969 that failed in Benghazi . He now faced his first real popular uprising in 42 years , in Benghazi . Gadhafi has been controversial internationally and has become more a statesman lately . His government has increased communication and freedom , experts and journalists say .