Gaddafi accused of crimes against humanity: International Criminal Court

International Criminal Court’s (ICC) chief prosecutor has applied for an arrest warrant for Muammar Gaddafi on charges of crimes against humanity.

The warrants are also for his son-- Saif al-Islam—who also has been accused of ordering, planning and participating in the illegal attacks and for the country's intelligence chief, Abdullah Senussi.

The office of the prosecutor requested the International Criminal Court arrest warrants, Moreno-Ocampo, ICC chief prosecutor, told a news conference on Monday. He said the evidence against the three men was very strong” and hoped that Libyans would eventually turn them over to court.

A panel of ICC judges would decide whether to accept or reject the application by the prosecutor. Nearly 1,200 documents and 50 interviews with key witnesses, were submitted as part of the evidence, said Moreno-Ocampo. Col Gaddafi had personally ordered attacks on unarmed Libyan civilians,” he noted.

His forces attacked Libyan civilians in their homes and in public spaces, shot demonstrators with live ammunition, used heavy weaponry against participants in funeral processions, and placed snipers to kill those leaving mosques after prayers, he said.

The evidence shows that such persecution is still ongoing as I speak today in the areas under Gaddafi control. Gaddafi forces have prepared a list with names of alleged dissidents, and they are being arrested, put into prisons in Tripoli, tortured and made to disappear, he added.

Gaddafi's second-oldest son, Saif al-Islam, is the de facto prime minister and Sanussi, Gaddafi's brother-in-law, is his right-hand man - the executioner, the head of military intelligence.” Sanussi has personally commanded some of the attacks.

Although, it is said that the warrants will not have an immediate impact on the war. But, it could be harder if the targets go into exile.

On Sunday, Gaddafi's Prime Minister Baghdadi Mahmudi, offered a truce to, Abdul-Ilah al-Khatib, UN special envoy in return for a ceasefire with the NATO forces.

In a separate development, there are reports of two explosions early on Tuesday in Tripoli near the residence of Gaddafi.

Since the ICC investigations are underway, all UN members would have to arrest the trio if they venture into their territory.