Gaddafi Wanted by International Court
Charged With Crimes Against Humanity
The International Criminal Court (ICC) issued arrest warrants for Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi, his son Seif al-Islam, and Libya's intelligence chief, Abdullah Sanussi, sending a strong message to abusive leaders around the world.
They are wanted on charges of crimes against humanity for their alleged roles in attacks on civilians. After anti-government protests began in eastern Libya in February, Human Rights Watch documented instances in which government forces opened fire on peaceful demonstrators.
Concerns have been raised that a warrant against Gaddafi would hinder peace efforts and compel him to maintain his grip on power to avoid arrest. But even before the ICC process was set in motion, Gaddafi made clear he intended to stay until the bitter end, and his son’s February vow to “live and die in Libya” reflects that stance.
Human Rights Watch research shows that failing to hold high-level perpetrators accountable for serious international crimes can contribute to future abuses. In fact, issuing warrants for senior leaders can strengthen peace efforts by stigmatizing those who stand in the way of resolving conflicts. For example, indictments against Bosnian Serb leaders kept them sidelined during the Dayton peace talks, which led to the end of the Bosnian war.
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