The ICC Prosecutor is investigating allegations that the Gaddafi regime is systematically engaged in gang-raping of women with rebel flags. Men in the regime’s security forces allegedly are using sexual enhancement drugs as a “machete” for these rapes, some of which allegedly occurred in police barracks.[1]
This investigation is part of the Prosecutor’s investigation of possible crimes against humanity and war crimes in Libya since February 15, 2011. This situation was referred to the ICC by the U.N. Security Council.[2]
[1] CNN, ICC to investigate institutionalized gang-rape of women in Libya, (May 17, 2011), http://www.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/africa/05/17/libya.rapes.icc/index.html?hpt=T2; Mackey, Libyan Woman Describes Rape by Qaddafi Forces, (May 16, 2011), http://thelede.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/05/16/libyan-woman-describes-rape-by-qaddafi-forces/?ref=world; Fahim, Claims of Wartime Rapes Unsettle and Divide Libyans, N.Y. Times (June 19, 2011).
[2] See Post: The International Criminal Court: Introduction (April 28, 2011); Post: The International Criminal Court: Investigations and Prosecutions (April 28, 2011); Post: The International Criminal Court: Libya Investigation Status (May 8, 2011); Post: The International Criminal Court and the Obama Administration (May 13, 2011); Post: The International Criminal Court: Three Libyan Arrest Warrants Sought (May 16, 2011).
