SABC:"Rapes Committed During Libya's Turmoil: ICC"

"The International Criminal Court (ICC) Chief Prosecutor says hundreds of rapes were committed during Libya's recent internal conflict and that his office is investigating.In presenting his report on the ICC’s investigations into crimes against humanity, Luis Moreno-Ocampo also indicated he is examining allegations that crimes were committed on both sides of the conflict, including by North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) forces. Rape has been used as a weapon of war, and Libya is no exception. "While it is premature to draw conclusion on specific numbers, the information and evidence indicates at this stage that hundreds of rapes were committed during the conflict," says ICC Prosecutor Luis Moreno-Ocampo

These allegations will be examined impartially and independently by the office

They are also examining alleged violations by NATO and the mass detention of black Africans suspected of being mercenaries by the National Transitional Council. "There are allegations of crimes committed by NATO forces, allegations of crimes committed by the Libyan government, NTC, including the alleged detention of civilians suspected to be mercenaries and the alleged killing of detained combatants, as well as allegations of additional crimes committed by Muammar Gaddafi's forces. These allegations will be examined impartially and independently by the office," added the Chief Prosecutor. In the meantime, ICC fugitives Saif al Islam Gaddafi and Abdullah al Sanussi remain at large, but in contact. Ocampo told the council that his office is interacting with intermediaries for Gaddafi's son and former spy chief, who are primarily concerned about the legal conditions after handing themselves over, particularly whether they will be sent back to Libya. The ICC indicated that will be a matter for judges to decide at the conclusion of their trials" (SABC News)