(CNN) — Libyan leader Moammar Gaddafi and some of his sons and closest advisers face investigation for alleged crimes against humanity, International Criminal Court prosecutor Luis Moreno-Ocampo said today.
“I would like to use this opportunity to put them on notice,” Moreno-Ocampo said. “I want to be clear: If their troops commit crimes, they could be made criminally responsible.”
It is the first time the court will be investigating allegations as an event is ongoing.
They include allegations of security forces killing unarmed protesters, forced displacement, illegal detention and airstrikes on civilians.
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Investigators will look at the most serious accusations in Libya since February 15, the prosecutor said, when demonstrations against Gaddafi ramped up.
Moreno-Ocampo provided a map showing the locations where alleged crimes may have been committed.
He cautioned, however, that he needed more time to review the evidence.
“This is the beginning of the investigation. I can give no details,” he said.
“We cannot confirm these allegations that these civilians were bombed by planes. But we have … confirmation that civilians that were demonstrating were shot by security forces.
“We interview people and we will present the evidence to the judges. The judges will decide who should be prosecuted,” he said.
But Moreno-Ocampo warned that anti-Gaddafi protesters would also be held accountable for criminal activity.
