John M W Smith

An Unlawful Act In Libya (Based on a true story) John M W Smith

"Every time you lose someone you really like, you die a little. Someone you've got used to, who can read your every change of expression, every gesture and tone of voice." So begins the narrator of this story. A story based on true events of what happened to one young man who ventured into Libya at the height of Colonel Gaddafi's power. Most people, in the prime of their lives, go through a period when they feel an instant spark of rebellion in their breasts at anything labelled forbidden, impossible, life threateningly dangerous or otherwise regarded with fear and apprehension by others. Because youth is a time to test boundaries. To prove oneself to oneself and to others. Everything unobtainable is a challenge. And, if such a challenge comes bedecked with possible financial rewards, kudos and prospects of career enhancement, then obviously so much the better! And, at this point, even if you had told Gamal Ibrahim the story of Icarus, son of Daedalus, who dared to fly too close to the sun on wings of feathers and wax, it would have made little difference. And who can blame him? Isn't that what being young is all about? And if you had also told him that when entering a land where monsters rule it is wise to have a foolproof exit strategy he would probably have said, "Why? What have I got to fear if my intentions are honourable and my conscience is clear? Why should I need to worry if I am prepared to speak the truth at all times!" Ah! The naivety of youth! For what exactly the truth is, what is right or wrong, good or bad, is not what concerns monsters. What concerns them is power. And, when in power, monsters tend to have their own ideas about what should or shouldn't happen, and to whom.................