LIBYA: ICC begins investigating sex crimes by Gaddafi loyalists

Date: 
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
Source: 
Global Post
Countries: 
Africa
Northern Africa
Libya
PeaceWomen Consolidated Themes: 
Sexual and Gender-Based Violence

A team from the International Criminal Court (ICC) has arrived in Libya to begin investigating sexual crimes committed by Muammar Gaddafi's loyalist troops during the uprising against his regime, Agence France-Presse reported.

A team from the ICC reportedly arrived in Libya on Wednesday for preliminary work, and will be in the country until Friday.

Jane O'Toole, lead investigator, told AFP that the team will be investigating the most serious sexual crimes against women, and also looking into who ordered the crimes.

ICC chief prosecutor Luis Moreno-Ocampo said there was evidence Gaddafi had ordered the rape of hundreds of women. Moreno-Ocampo said he was also looking at possible evidence that pro-Gaddafi security forces had been provided with drugs like Viagra to enhance their sex drive.

He said there was evidence that the Libyan authorities bought containers of "Viagra-type" medicines and gave them to troops as part of the official rape policy, "to enhance the possibility to rape," according to the Telegraph.