A/HRC/19/68 III. Findings A. Excessive use of force5 1. Introduction 15. In its first report, the Commission of Inquiry concluded that Qadhafi forces had used excessive force against demonstrators in February 2011. It subsequently conducted more than 60 interviews in its investigation of this issue. 2. Qadhafi forces 16. The Commission interviewed medical personnel on duty during the protests. Testimony, medical records and photographs received show predominantly head and chest wounds, consistent, in some cases, with the use of high-calibre weapons. It also received a videotape of a purported senior regime figure giving instructions to “crush” demonstrators in Benghazi, and received a first-hand account of orders given by Colonel Qadhafi to suppress demonstrations “with all means necessary”. While former Qadhafi officials claimed the initial approach was not to fire until fired upon, evidence collected did not support this contention. 17. Witnesses detailed how, in Benghazi, protesters were shot near the Juliana Bridge. On 18 February 2011, after rocks were thrown as a funeral procession passed a military base, soldiers fired shots, killing several people. Witnesses reported later finding nine burned bodies, with their hands bound and with gunshots to the head, inside the base. 18. The Commission determined that Qadhafi forces fired on protesters in Misrata, leading to deaths and injuries. A senior military figure indicated that the 32nd brigade gave instructions to ground commanders to shoot civilians. 19. The Commission received testimony and medical records relating to protesters killed in Tripoli. Doctors informed the commission that, on 20 and 21 February 2011, more than 200 bodies were brought to morgues. Protesters were denied access to medical care, while others did not seek medical treatment owing to a (well-founded) fear of being detained. The Commission also received reports of protesters being shot outside mosques after Friday prayers throughout February and March 2011. Qadhafi forces reportedly seized ambulances for use in security patrols and for the arrest of protesters. 20. The Commission found local authorities exercised initial restraint when engaging protesters in the central square in Al Zawiyah. The Commission determined a violent response began after the 32nd Brigade arrived on 23 February 2011 and shot at unarmed protesters, killing seven, and prompting an escalation of violence on both sides. 21. Following the eruption of protests in Zintan, Qadhafi forces set up checkpoints encircling the town, cutting off supplies of fuel and food. The Commission received reports that Qadhafi forces had shot at and beaten protesters in the central square. The Commission was further informed that Qadhafi forces removed the injured from hospitals and detained men at checkpoints. 3. Conclusion 22. The Commission found that Qadhafi forces had engaged in excessive use of force against demonstrators in the early days of the protests, leading to significant deaths and 5 6 Ibid., chap. III, sect. A.