Gaddafi defends 'people's republic'

Muammar Gaddafi has appeared at a televised public rally in the capital, Tripoli, among those loyal to his government, as rebels fought back his forces to the east of the capital.

The Libyan leader told the crowd that he was surprised at the protests against him and said the rebels were "challenging" the victories achieved by the regime and the freedoms of Libyans.