Today, Luis Moreno Ocampo, Prosecutor for the International Criminal Court (ICC), announced his request to the Pre-Trial Chamber for arrest warrants for President Muammar Gaddafi, Saif Al-Islam Gaddafi, and Head of Intelligence Abdullah Senussi for crimes against humanity committed in Libya. Gaddafi’s regime began targeting civilians on February 15th causing massive civilian casualties and displacement.
According to Ocampo, “The evidence shows that Muammar Gaddafi, personally, ordered attacks on unarmed Libyan civilians. His forces attacked Libyan civilians in their homes and in the public space, repressed demonstrations with live ammunition, used heavy artillery against participants in funeral processions, and placed snipers to kill those leaving mosques after the prayers.” Gaddafi’s forces have also used indiscriminate weaponry such as cluster munitions and sea mines along with other heavy weapons such as tanks and fighter planes.
On February 22nd, the Save Darfur Coalition/Genocide Intervention Network pushed for the United Nations Security Council to refer the situation in Libya to the ICC and on March 3rd, the Prosecutor opened investigations into atrocities against civilians. The investigations have moved an incredibly rapid pace in comparison to past cases and the arrest warrants could potentially be issued in a matter of weeks.
The steps taken by Ocampo and the ICC have been essential to ensure that Gaddafi and those responsible for crimes committed against civilians are held accountable. Justice is an essential tool not only for victims but also towards the prevention of future atrocities. While the United States is not a member of the ICC, they still have the ability to support the investigation and must provide any information or assistance to promote justice.
The opinions expressed here are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the position of the Save Darfur Coalition.
Tags: crimes against humanity, ICC, libya
