LIBYA’S ‘DAY OF RAGE’ has left at least 24 people dead according to a human rights group with protests continuing in the country.

Human Rights Watch (HRW) report that at least 24 protesters were killed and many others wounded by Libyan security forces in the country’s second city Benghazi and other areas across the country.

HRW say security forces shot and killed the demonstrators in an effort to disperse the crowds.

Funerals are expected to take place today which Reuters say could be a catalyst for more protests in the country.

Those demonstrating against the government  say they want political freedoms, respect for human rights and an end to corruption.

The agency also reports that communications have been hampered by tight controls from the government with journalists prevented from travelling to Benghazi from the capital, Tripoli.

Unrest has spread across several Arab countries with the presidents of Egypt and Tunisia forced to resign as a result of the pro-democracy uprising.

Dissent in Libya is rarely allowed and large protests are uncommon, according to the BBC. Opposition groups are banned and Colonel Muammar Gadaffi has held power since a coup in 1969.

He insists that Libyans enjoy “true democracy”.