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Libya: The Security Revolution Organization (SRO) or the Revolutionary Security Organization (RSO) and its connection to the elite guard of President Mu'ammar al-Qadhafi (Gaddafi)

Information on the Security Revolution Organization (SRO) or the Revolutionary Security Organization (RSO) could not be found among the documentary sources consulted by the Research Directorate. However, an assistant professor of political science at the University of Texas, in San Antonio, who is also the author of Libya's Qaddafi: The Politics of Contradiction (1997), stated in correspondence that he had heard of the RSO (18 Mar. 2003). The assistant professor said that the RSO, like all other such organizations, are commanded by a "small circle of individuals manipulated by Colonel Gaddafi" (ibid.). He further noted that security organizations such as the RSO are involved in protecting Gaddafi and his family, the Gaddafi clan and the regime (ibid.). In addition, he stated that "people involved in these organizations must be approved by individuals loyal to Colonel Gaddafi. The real power behind security organizations must be connected to Gaddafi either by marriage or blood ties" (ibid.).

This Response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the Research Directorate within time constraints. This Response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim to refugee status or asylum. Please find below the list of additional sources consulted in researching this Information Request.

Reference

Assistant professor of political science, University of Texas, San Antonio. 18 March 2003. Correspondence.

Additional Sources Consulted

Africa Research Bulletin

Europa World Fact Book

IRB Databases

Libya's Qaddafi: The Politics of Contradiction

NEXIS

Internet sites, including:

Africa Confidential

Africa Online

AllAfrica.com

Amnesty International (AI)

BBC Africa

Human Rights Watch (HRW)

Integrated Regional Information Networks (IRIN)

Libya: Our Home

Libyan League for Human Rights (LLHR)

The Libyan Union for Human Rights Defenders

The Middle East Network Information Centre (MENIC)

UK Home Office, Immigration and Nationality Directorate (IND), Country Assessment: Libya

U.S. Department of State

World News Connection (WNC)

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