ICC prosecutor: Gadhafi, sons to be investigated

[March 03, 2011]  THE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP) -- The prosecutor of the International Criminal Court says he will investigate Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi and his inner circle, including some of his sons, for possible crimes against humanity in the violent crackdown on anti-government protesters.

Luis Moreno-Ocampo said Gadhafi's security forces are alleged to have attacked peaceful demonstrators in several towns and cities across Libya since Feb. 15, and identified Gadhafi and several commanders and regime officials as having formal or de facto command over forces that may have committed crimes. Moreno-Ocampo vowed Thursday there would be "no impunity in Libya." The prosecution office has acted with unprecedented haste to launch an investigation, partly to warn Libyan officials against continuing the deliberate slaughter of civilians. He said the court was using the opportunity "to put them on notice: If forces under their command commit crimes, they could be criminally responsible." He also warned that leaders of Libya's opposition could be investigated if allegations are raised against them. "We will be impartial," he said. [Associated Press] Copyright 2011 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.