ICC Seeks Arrests for Crimes Against Humanity in Libya

Libyan rebels gather around the remains of car which exploded near the headquarters of Libya's rebels in their eastern bastion of Benghazi late on May 3. The number of deaths in February alone in the war-torn country was 500-700. (Saeed Khan/AFP/Getty Images)

The International Criminal Court’s chief prosecutor announced on Wednesday he is seeking arrest warrants for three Libyans.

Prosecutor Luis Moreno-Ocampo has been investigating crimes against humanity in Libya. He did not name the three Libyans in question.

“The evidence shows that security forces have been systematically shooting at peaceful protesters, following the same modus operandi in multiple locations,” the prosecutor wrote to the United Nations Security Council on Wednesday.

The number of deaths in just February was 500-700 people, with the larger number difficult to estimate as the dead bodies were removed from the streets and hospitals.

According to Moreno-Ocampo the crimes against humanity continue to be committed in Libya.

The International Criminal Court (ICC) is an independent permanent court aimed at investigating and prosecuting those accused of the most serious crimes such as genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity.

In comments by U.S. ambassador to the United Nations regarding the ICC’s work, she said that the ICC reports underscore the U.S. message that “Gadhafi has lost any and all legitimacy to lead Libya.”