ICC seeking arrest warrant for Gaddafi

The International Criminal Court (ICC) chief prosecutor is seeking the arrest of Libyan leader Colonel Muammar Gaddafi and two others for crimes against humanity.

Luis Moreno-Ocampo said Colonel Gaddafi, his son Saif al-Islam, and intelligence chief Abdullah al-Sanussi bore the greatest responsibility for "widespread and systematic attacks" on civilians.

ICC judges must still decide whether or not to issue warrants for their arrest.

The Libyan government has already said it will ignore the announcement.

Deputy Foreign Minister Khalid Kaim said the court was a "baby of the European Union designed for African politicians and leaders" and its practices were "questionable".

'Inner circle'

Libya did not recognise its jurisdiction, like a few other African countries and the United States, and would ignore any announcement, he added.

Mr. Moreno-Ocampo said after reviewing more than 1,200 documents and 50 interviews with key insiders and witnesses, his office had evidence showing that Colonel Gaddafi had "personally ordered attacks on unarmed Libyan civilians".

"His forces attacked Libyan civilians in their homes and in public spaces, shot demonstrators with live ammunition, used heavy weaponry against participants in funeral processions, and placed snipers to kill those leaving mosques after prayers," he told a news conference in The Hague.

"The evidence shows that such persecution is still ongoing as I speak today in the areas under Gaddafi control. Gaddafi forces have prepared a list with names of alleged dissidents, and they are being arrested, put into prisons in Tripoli, tortured and made to disappear," he added.

"His [Colonel Gaddafi's] second-oldest son, Saif al-Islam, is the de facto prime minister and Sanussi, Gaddafi's brother-in-law, is his right-hand man - the executioner, the head of military intelligence. He commanded personally some of the attacks," Mr. Moreno-Ocampo continued.

(Source: The BBC)