Libya's justice minister, has resigned in protest at "excessive use of violence against protesters"

Violent protests have paralysed Libya's capital city Tripoli, as cracks begin to emerge from within the ruling elite.

The country's justice minister, Mustapha Abdel Jalil, has resigned in protest at "excessive use of violence against protesters", according to the Quryna newspaper.

Other figures close to the ruling elite have also spoken of their discontent, weakening leader Colonel Moammar Gaddafi's position.

ORIGINAL SOURCE