It has been almost two weeks since Eman al-Obeidy burst into our hotel in Tripoli, desperate for the world to hear her story of rape and torture
Gadhafi's son arranges CNN interview with alleged Libyan rape victim
April 7, 2011 1:32 p.m. EDT
Alleged Libyan rape victim talks to CNN
STORY HIGHLIGHTS
- Saadi Gadhafi sent a car to bring Eman al-Obeidy to his office
- Al-Obeidy is not intimidated by his presence, calls him a humble man
- She says she wants to clear her name, smeared on state TV
- Story of rape and torture became known after she burst into a Tripoli hotel
Tripoli, Libya (CNN) -- It has been almost two weeks since Eman al-Obeidy burst into our hotel in Tripoli, desperate for the world to hear her story of rape and torture. We had been trying since then to interview her in person and were finally able to speak to her Wednesday, against the explicit wishes of the Libyan government.
"You should not be allowed to do this," government spokesman Musa Ibrahim told me.
The interview with al-Obeidy was facilitated by Gadhafi's son Saadi and was subject to a government review. We asked al-Obeidy if she would be willing to come to Saadi Gadhafi's office. She agreed and Gadhafi sent a car to pick her up.
She and Gadhafi met privately before our interview, the first time the two had met. Gadhafi appeared shocked afterward. He commented on her strong character and willingness to challenge him when they disagreed.
He and his press assistant sat in on the 30-minute CNN meeting. Some of the time, we were alone with her.
She came dressed in ornate black robes and with her head covered. She called herself an ordinary citizen, a good Muslim who is conservative in her social outlook. She spoke with clarity and exuded strength through the conversation, adamant about clearing her name she said Libyan state media had smeared.
