Wired writes about a Twitter activist from Iran, Arasmus, who’s put together a Google Maps map that locates reports about “gunfire, killings, mercenary sightings, helicopter slayings and electricity disconnections” from what he calls “trusted” Twitter accounts about what’s going on in Libya as protesters fight against pro-Gadhafi forces.

Arasmus writes, “These reports are in general unconfirmed. This information should be considered in the context of there being absolutely no independent media in Libya at this time.”

And, given the absence of independent media, people are turning to information they can get from social media. Important to note, the Internet was shut off in Libya for a six-hour period on Feb. 18th; some services have been intermittently blocked since then.

Here’s a look at Google’s map: Violence Against Pro-Democracy Protests in Libya

Follow Marketplace’s continuing coverage of the discontent in the Middle East.

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h2>Check out more of Marketplace’s coverage on the unrest in Egypt.

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h2>For more maps of the Middle East, check out The Middle East at Work.

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