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Libya: ICC Decision on OTP Arrest Warrants Request to be Released on 27 June; Related Statements and News

24 June 2011

Dear all,

Please find below the latest International Criminal Court (ICC) statements (I), documents from the Coalition International Criminal Court (II), news and opinions (III) and audiovisual materials (IV) related to the International Criminal Court's investigation in Libya.

The ICC announced yesterday that the decision of ICC Pre-Trial Chamber I with regard to the prosecution’s application for the issuance of arrest warrants in the Libya situation will be made on Monday 27 June 2011 at 1 p.m. (CET). The hearing will be held in open session and webstreamed live at: http://livestream.xs4all.nl/icc1.asx

On 16 May 2011, the ICC prosecutor submitted an application to judges of ICC Pre-Trial Chamber I for arrest warrants against Libyan leader Muammar al-Gaddafi, his son Saif al-Islam al-Gaddafi, Libyan government spokesman, as well as Abdullah al-Sanusi, head of Libyan intelligence for alleged crimes against humanity committed in Libya since 15 February 2011. It was up to Judges of ICC Pre-Trial Chamber I to decide whether or not to issue arrest warrants.

On 3 March 2011, the ICC prosecutor opened a formal investigation into the situation in Libya, following a preliminary examination of available information. The prosecutor's announcement came after the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) adopted Resolution 1970 (2011) on 26 February 2011, which referred the situation in Libya, a state not party to the Rome Statute, to the ICC.

Please take note of the Coalition's policy on situations before the ICC (below), which explicitly states that the Coalition will not take a position on potential and current situations before the Court or situations under analysis. The Coalition, however, will continue to provide the most up-to-date information about the ICC.

Best regards,

CICC Secretariat
www.coalitionfortheicc.org

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I.       ICC STATEMENTS

1.      “Situation in Libya: ICC’s Pre-Trial Chamber I to render decision on 27 June concerning the Prosecution’s request for three warrants of arrest,” ICC, 23 June 2011, http://www.icc-cpi.int/NR/exeres/61E35ACD-149D-41F9-B2E9-2C97E2B173CB.htm

“Pre-Trial Chamber I of the International Criminal Court (ICC) is scheduled to render its  decision on Monday, 27 June 2011, with regard to the Prosecution’s application of 16 May 2011 for the issuance of three warrants of arrest for Muammar Abu Minyar Gaddafi, Saif Al Islam Gaddafi and Abdullah Al-Senussi. The decision is to be rendered during a public hearing in Courtroom 1, at 13:00 (The Hague local time) on that day.
Live webstreaming and satellite broadcasting of the hearing will be available…. The hearing will be held in open session. It can be followed live on the ICC website at:
Courtroom I:
English: http://livestream.xs4all.nl/icc1.asx
French: http://livestream.xs4all.nl/icc2.asx
Arabic: http://livestream.xs4all.nl/icc5.asx ....”

2.      “ICC Prosecutor: Gaddafi used his absolute authority to commit crimes in Libya,” ICC-OTP Press Release, ICC-CPI-20110516-PR667, 16 May 2011, http://www.icc-cpi.int/menus/icc/press and media/press releases/pr667

“Today 16 May 2011, International Criminal Court (ICC) Prosecutor Luis Moreno-Ocampo requested ICC judges to issue arrest warrants against Muammar Abu Minya Gaddafi, Saif Al Islam Gaddafi and the Head of the Intelligence Abdullah Al Sanousi from crimes against humanity committed in Libya since February 2011.

The Office gathered direct evidence about orders issued by Muammar Gaddafi himself, direct evidence of Saif Al Islam organizing the recruitment of mercenaries, and direct evidence of the participation of Al Sanousi in the attacks against demonstrators. Additionally the Office documented how the three held meetings to plan the operations.
The evidence shows that civilians were attacked in their homes; demonstrations were repressed using live ammunition, heavy artillery was used against participants in funeral processions, and snipers placed to kill those leaving the mosques after the prayers.

The evidence shows that persecution is still ongoing in the areas under Gaddafi control. Gaddafi’s forces prepare lists with names of alleged dissidents. They are being arrested, put into prisons in Tripoli, tortured and made to disappear. ‘These are not just crimes against Libyans, they are crimes against humanity as a whole,’ the Prosecutor said.

This is the first case in Libya. The Office will further investigate allegations of massive rapes, war crimes committed by different parties during the armed conflict that started at the end of February, and attacks against sub-Saharan Africans wrongly perceived to be mercenaries. ‘There will be no impunity for such crimes in Libya,’ said the Prosecutor.

ICC judges will now decide to accept the Prosecutor’s request, reject it or ask the Office of the Prosecutor for more evidence. The Prosecutor has not requested the intervention of international forces to implement the arrest warrants. Should the Court issue them and the three individuals remain in Libya, Libyan authorities have the primary responsibility to arrest them. When the time comes, implementing the arrest warrants will be the most effective way to protect civilians under attack in Libya and elsewhere.

The International Criminal Court is an independent, permanent court that investigates and prosecutes persons accused of the most serious crimes of international concern, namely genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes.”

SEE ALSO:

3.      "Statement, ICC Prosecutor, Press Conference on Libya, 16 May 2011," Statement by ICC Prosecutor Luis Moreno-Ocampo, 16 May 2011, http://www.icc-cpi.int/menus/icc/structure of the court/office of the prosecutor/reports and statements/statement/statement icc prosecutor press conference on libya 16 may 2011

II.    RELATED COALITION MEMBERS’ DOCUMENTS

1.      “Libya and the ICC: FIDH Questions and Answers,” FIDH, 24 May 2011, http://www.fidh.org/Libya-and-the-ICC-FIDH-Questions-and-Answers

2.      “Making Sense of Libya,” International Crisis Group, 6 June 2011, http://www.crisisgroup.org/en/publication-type/media-releases/2011/making-sense-of-Libya.aspx

3. “Libya: Civilians at risk amid new mine threat,” Amnesty International, 25 May 2011, http://www.amnesty.org/en/news-and-updates/libya-civilians-risk-amid-new-mine-threat-2011-05-25

4. “U.S. Leadership Needed in Securing Prosecution Against Libyan Leaders”, Human Rights First, 18 May 2011, http://www.humanrightsfirst.org/2011/05/17/u-s-leadership-needed-in-securing-prosecution-against-libyan-leaders/

III. RELATED NEWS AND OPINIONS

A.    CICC MEMBERS QUOTED

2.      “ICC Poised to Issue Warrants on Libya” by Haider Rizvi, IPS News, 5 May 2011, http://ipsnews.net/news.asp?idnews=55498
3.      “Amnesty International accuses Gaddafi regime of war crimes in Misurata” by Simon Denyer, Washington Post, 6 May 2011, http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/amnesty_international_accuses_gaddafi_regime_of_war_crimes_in_misurata/2011/05/06/AFbPjw6F_story.html?wprss=rss_homepage
4.      “Amnesty says Gaddafi's attacks "may amount to war crimes"”, Monsters and Critics, 6 May 2011, http://www.monstersandcritics.com/news/africa/news/article_1637483.php/Amnesty-says-Gaddafi-s-attacks-may-amount-to-war-crimes
5.      “Amnesty: Ghadafi's troops suspected of war crimes”, AP, 6 May 2011, http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5j_TMmVJeSHNJnjw7S5eHm2S9uzmQ?docId=f5c4d63b59244748a5d08f813c345604
6.      “Libya: ICC Prosecutor Names First Suspects Case Brings Justice Closer for Victims”, HRW, 16 May 2011, http://www.hrw.org/en/news/2011/05/16/libya-icc-prosecutor-names-first-suspects
7.      “EGYPT: Legal expert says Kadafi arrest warrant 'of great importance' and, if issued, enforceable in Africa,” Babylon & Bayond Blog, Los Angeles Times, 16 May 2011, http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/babylonbeyond/2011/05/libya-egyptian-legal-expert-says-kadafi-warrant-.html
8.      “LIBYA: Human rights lawyer on Kadafi warrant impact on Arab Spring,” Babylon and Beyond, Los Angeles Times, 17 May 2011, http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/babylonbeyond/2011/05/after-the-international-criminal-court-prosecutors-requested-arrest-warrants-for-libyan-leader-moamar-kadafi-son-seif-al-isl.html
9.      “Kadhafi first to face ICC 'disappearance' charge,” Tim Witcher, AFP 8 June 2011, http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5i0lreMeWAh2vqz5hVg8GM-Un-F-Q?docId=CNG.f25da1025c94c576d7e84ff5e360651a.71
10.  “ICC considers arrest warrants for Libya officials,” Hank Flynn, Press TV (Iran), 9 June 2011, http://www.presstv.ir/detail/183842.html
11.  “Canada’s engagement in Libya: Benchmarks for Success,” Fergus Watt, Oye! Times, 13 June 2011, http://www.oyetimes.com/news/canada/11847-canadas-engagement-in-libya-benchmarks-for-success
12.  “Libya motion denounces state-sponsored ‘rape’,” Allan Woods, AP, 13 June 2011, http://www.thestar.com/news/canada/politics/article/1007635--libya-motion-denounces-state-sponsored-rape

B. OTHER NEWS AND OPINIONS

13.  “Germany opens its own inquiry against Gaddafi,” DPA, 21 June 2011, http://www.monstersandcritics.com/news/europe/news/article_1646802.php/Germany-opens-its-own-inquiry-against-Gaddafi
14.   “Hundreds of Women: Gadhafi Forces Raped Us,” AP, 30 May 2011, http://www.newser.com/story/119725/hundreds-of-women-gadhafi-forces-raped-us.html
15.   “Claims of Wartime Rapes Unsettle and Divide Libyans,” Kareem Fahim, New York Times, 19 June 2011, http://www.nytimes.com/2011/06/20/world/africa/20rape.html?_r=3&pagewanted=all
16.  “Libya: Gaddafi investigated over use of rape as weapon,” BBC News, 8 June 2011, http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-13705854
17.  “Rape should be added to war crimes charges,” Martha Jean Baker, The Guardian, 10 June 2011, http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/libertycentral/2011/jun/10/rape-no-longer-spoils-of-war
18.   “Libya rape claims 'hysteria' – investigator,” AFP, 10 June 2011, http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/breaking-news/libya-rape-claims-hysteria-investigator/story-e6frf7jx-1226072781882
19.  “Rape in Libya: The Crime That Dare Not Speak Its Name,” Karen Leigh, Time, 9 June 2011, http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,2076775,00.html
20.   “Libya: Clinton condemns rape as weapon of war,” BBC News, 16 June 2011, http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-13803556
21.  “UN officials bicker over claims Gaddafi used rape as a weapon,” Steven Edwards, Postmedia News, 10 June 2011, http://news.nationalpost.com/2011/06/10/un-officials-bicker-over-claims-gaddafi-used-rape-as-a-weapon/
22.  “Libya: former ambassador to UN predicts the fleeing of Gaddafi,” Ennahar Online, 19 June 2011, http://www.ennaharonline.com/en/news/6859.html
23.   “ICC chief hopes Gaddafi will 'be arrested' soon,” AFP, 12 June 2011, http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-06-12/middle-east/29649368_1_icc-prosecutor-international-criminal-court-prosecutor-luis-moreno-ocampo
24.  “Gaddafi negotiations possible: Hague,” Press TV (Iran), 12 June 2011, http://www.presstv.com/detail/184373.html
25.   “Qaddafi regime denies war crimes in Libya, says rebels are cannibals,” AP, 10 June 2011, http://www.thenational.ae/news/worldwide/africa/qaddafi-regime-denies-war-crimes-in-libya-says-rebels-are-cannibals
26.  “Gadafy's son reported to be seeking terms from rebels,” The Irish Times, 10 June 2011, http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/world/2011/0610/1224298691239.html
27.   “At UN, Gadhafi regime denies charges of crimes against humanity and war crimes,” John Heilprin, AP, 9 June 2011, http://www.news1130.com/news/world/article/238282--at-un-gadhafi-regime-denies-charges-of-crimes-against-humanity-and-war-crimes
28.   “ICC inquiry may not bar Gaddafi leaving: UK minister,” Adrian Croft, Reuters, 8 June 2011, http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/06/08/us-libya-britain-idUSTRE75759320110608
29.  “Warrant a stumbling block in Libya solution, officials say,” Mandy Roussouw, Mail & Guardian, 3 June 2011, http://mg.co.za/article/2011-06-03-warrant-a-stumbling-block-in-libya-solution-officials-say/
30.  “Both rebels and Libyan forces committed war crimes, UN panel says,” MSNBC, 2 June 2011, http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/43239574/ns/world_news-mideast_n_africa
31.  “Kadhafi arrest warrants draw Libyan support,” Asmaa Elourfi, Magharebia, 1 June 2011, http://www.magharebia.com/cocoon/awi/xhtml1/en_GB/features/awi/features/2011/06/01/feature-01
32.  “CPI/Libye - Le procureur accusé de violer la presomption d'innocence (ICC/Libya – The prosecutor is accused of violating the presumption of innocence),” Hirondelle News Agency, 31 May 2011, http://fr.hirondellenews.com/content/view/16273/571/ (In French) 33.  “SA lawyers ‘in secret Gaddafi exit plan’,” News24, 31 May 2011, http://www.news24.com/Africa/News/SA-lawyers-in-secret-Gaddafi-exit-plan-20110531
34.  “Former French Foreigner Minister Willing do Defend Gadhafi,” Jasper Fakkert, Epoch Times, 30 May 2011, http://www.theepochtimes.com/n2/world/former-french-foreigner-minister-willing-do-defend-gadhafi-56984.html
35.   “Libyan crisis: Justice ministry claims jurisdiction to try suspects,” Pana, 26 May 2011, http://www.afriquejet.com/news/africa-news/libyan-crisis:-justice-ministry-claims-jurisdiction-to-try-suspects-2011052613247.html
36.  “South African president to meet Gadhafi next week,” CNN, 26 May 2011, http://news.maars.net/blog/2011/05/26/south-african-president-to-meet-gadhafi-next-week/
37.   “ICC warns Libya of crime cover-ups”, News 24, 19 May 2011, http://www.news24.com/Africa/News/ICC-warns-Libya-of-crime-cover-ups-20110518
38.  “Chad says it will not execute ICC warrant against Libya’s Gaddafi”, Sudan Tribune, 19 May 2011, http://www.sudantribune.com/Chad-says-it-will-not-execute-ICC,38950
39.  “Rebels welcome ICC’s arrest warrants for Qaddafi, as explosions rock Tripoli”, Al Arabiya, 17 May 2011, http://english.alarabiya.net/articles/2011/05/16/149354.html
40.  “Brussels cautious on Gaddafi arrest warrant”, Euractiv, 17 May 2011, http://www.euractiv.com/en/global-europe/brussels-cautious-gaddafi-arrest-warrant-news-504871
41.   “Snipers used in Libya, ICC says”, UPI, 17 May 2011, http://www.upi.com/Top_News/Special/2011/05/16/Snipers-used-in-Libya-ICC-says/UPI-63651305571878/
42.   “Frattini believes ICC will issue arrest warrant for Gaddafi”, AGI, 13 May 2011, http://www.agi.it/english-version/world/elenco-notizie/201105132013-pol-ren1088-frattini_believes_icc_will_issue_a_warrant_for_gaddafi
43.  “Qaddafi forces committed war crimes, UN told” by James Reinl, The National, 6 May 2011, http://www.thenational.ae/news/worldwide/africa/qaddafi-forces-committed-war-crimes-un-told
44.   “UN Secretary General backs International Criminal Court’s actions over Libyan regime”, FOCUS News Agency, 6 May 2011, http://www.focus-fen.net/index.php?id=n248799
45.  “U.N. team arrives in Tripoli to investigate alleged human rights abuses” by Polly Johnson, Impunity Watch, 27 April 2011, http://impunitywatch.com/?p=17394 46.  “U.N. investigators in Libya to probe rights abuses” by Guy Desmond, Reuters, 27 April 2011, http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/04/27/us-libya-un-inquiry-idUSTRE73Q46K20110427
47.   “EGYPT: Legal expert says Kadafi arrest warrant 'of great importance' and, if issued, enforceable in Africa”, LA Times, 17 May 2011, http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/babylonbeyond/2011/05/libya-egyptian-legal-expert-says-kadafi-warrant-.html
48.  “Justice Remains Key to Resolving the Libyan Crisis,” ISS News, 23 May 2011, http://www.issafrica.org/iss_today.php?ID=1285
49.  “Opinion: Libya and R2P” by Hany Besada and Karolina Werner, The Egyptian Gazette, 23 May 2011, http://213.158.162.45/~egyptian/index.php?action=news&id=18472&title=Opinion: Libya and R2P
50.  “Gaddafi and the ICC: fateful encounter” by David Bosco, Foreign Policy, 20 May 2011, http://bosco.foreignpolicy.com/posts/2011/05/19/gaddafi_and_the_icc_fateful_encounter
51.  “Calling Kadafi to account: The International Criminal Court could give Libyans something new: real justice” by Hisham Matar, Los Angeles Times, 20 May, http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/commentary/la-oe-0520-matar-libya-20110520,0,6941022.story
52.  “Alexander Cockburn: Where’s the evidence of Gaddafi’s war crimes in Libya?,” Alexander Cockburn, The First Post (UK), 9 June 2011, http://news.uk.msn.com/uk/articles.aspx?cp-documentid=158184353
53.   “Libya: Gaddafi ICC arrest warrant raises questions” by Andrew North, BBC, 17 May 2011, http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-13420315
54.   “How ICC warrants could change NATO strikes in Libya”, Christian Science Monitor, 17 May 2011, http://www.csmonitor.com/World/terrorism-security/2011/0517/How-ICC-warrants-could-change-NATO-strikes-in-Libya
55.   “Libya: Crimes against humanity: Will the International Criminal Court's charges against Muammar Gaddafi and key officials bring justice for Libyans?”, Al Jazeera, 23 May 2011, http://english.aljazeera.net/programmes/frostovertheworld/2011/05/2011521143658986432.html
56.  “Request for arrest warrants against Gaddafi is irrelevant and reveals 'double standard', say officials” by Martin Chulov, The Guardian, 17 May 2011, http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/may/16/libya-icc-arrest-warrants-reaction
57.   “Libya cites example of Sudan’s Bashir to dismiss ICC warrant against Gaddafi”, Sudan Tribune, 17 May 2011, http://www.sudantribune.com/Libya-cites-example-of-Sudan-s,38932
58.  “Column: Criminal court gives Gadhafi little to fear” by Jonathan Manthorpe, Vancouver Sun, 18 May 2011,  http://www.vancouversun.com/news/Column+Criminal+court+gives+Gadhafi+little+fear/4800239/story.html
59.  “Who can arrest Gaddafi?” by David Bosco, Foreign Policy, 17 May 2011, http://bosco.foreignpolicy.com/posts/2011/05/16/who_can_arrest_gaddafi
60.  “The ICC arrest warrants will make Colonel Gaddafi dig in his heels”, The Guardian, 5 May 2011, http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2011/may/04/icc-arrest-warrants-libya-gaddafi
61.  “Indicting Gaddafi for War Crimes: Will It Help or Hurt?” by Vivienne Walt, Time, 5 May 2011, http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,2069584,00.html
62.  “Libya arrest warrants: worth the paper they're written on?”, Radio Netherlands, 16 May 2011, http://www.rnw.nl/international-justice/article/libya-arrest-warrants-worth-paper-theyre-written
63.  “Is Gaddafi a legitimate target?” by Nicholas Grief, The Guardian UK, 27 April 2011, http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2011/apr/27/gaddafi-un-resolution-1973
64.  “What a Qaddafi indictment would mean?”, Foreign Policy, 13 May 2011, http://bosco.foreignpolicy.com/posts/2011/05/12/what_a_gaddafi_indictment_would_mean
65.  “The colonel feels the squeeze”, The Economist, 19 May 2011, http://www.economist.com/node/18713650?story_id=18713650&fsrc=rss
66.  “The ICC in Libya: Just Another Sudan?”, IJ Central, 19 May 2011, http://ijcentral.org/blog/the_icc_in_libya_just_another_sudan/
67.  “Will Gaddafi Face Justice?” by Simon Jennings, IWPR, 19 May 2011, http://iwpr.net/report-news/will-gaddafi-face-justice
68.  “Wanted: Qaddafi & Co.Can the ICC Arrest the Libya Three?” by David Kaye, Foreign Affairs, 19 May 2011, http://www.foreignaffairs.com/articles/67857/david-kaye/wanted-qaddafi-co?cid=soc-facebook-postscript-wanted_qaddafi_co-051911
69.  “Experts say Libya war crimes indictments may harm peace effort” by Ferry Biedermann, The National (UAE), 18 May 2011, http://www.thenational.ae/news/worldwide/africa/experts-say-libya-war-crimes-indictments-may-harm-peace-effort?pageCount=0
70.  “Sudan says it opposes ICC’s involvement in Libya”, Sudan Tribune, 18 May 2011, http://www.sudantribune.com/Sudan-says-it-opposes-ICC-s,38934
71.  “Court must ensure Gadafy held liable for regime's actions”, Irish Times, 18 May 2011, http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/world/2011/0518/1224297220664.html
72.  “Rebels say Gaddafi should face trial in Libya first”, Straits Times (Singapore), 18 May 2011, http://www.straitstimes.com/BreakingNews/World/Story/STIStory_669454.html
73.  “Does the U.S. regret referring Libya to the ICC?,” David Bosco, Foreign Policy, 21 June 2011, http://bosco.foreignpolicy.com/posts/2011/06/21/does_the_us_regret_referring_libya_to_the_icc


IV. AUDIOVISUAL MATERIALS

1.      “ICC prosecutor hopes for Gaddafi arrest,” Al Jazeera, 25 May 2011, VIDEO, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-yo0PJOX10A
2.      “Libya situation: Press Conference, ICC Prosecutor”, IJ Central, 17 May 2011, http://ijcentral.org/video/libya_situation_press_conference_icc_prosecutor_-_16_may_2011/
3.      “Luis Moreno-Ocampo, Prosecutor (ICC) - Security Council Media Stakeout”, United Nations Webcast, 4 May 2011, http://www.unmultimedia.org/tv/webcast/2011/05/security-council-media-stakeout-105.html

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CICC's policy on the referral and prosecution of situations before the ICC:

The Coalition for the ICC is not an organ of the court. The CICC is an independent NGO movement dedicated to the establishment of the International Criminal Court as a fair, effective, and independent international organization. The Coalition will continue to provide the most up-to date information about the ICC and to help coordinate global action to effectively implement the Rome Statute of the ICC. The Coalition will also endeavor to respond to basic queries and to raise awareness about the ICC's trigger mechanisms and procedures, as they develop. The Coalition as a whole, and its secretariat, do not endorse or promote specific investigations or prosecutions or take a position on situations before the ICC. However, individual CICC members may endorse referrals, provide legal and other support on investigations, or develop partnerships with local and other organizations in the course of their efforts.

Communications to the ICC can be sent to: ICC P.O. box 19519 2500 CM the Hague The Netherlands