Libya faces challenge prosecuting 2011 conflict crimes, ICC warns

The Libyan transitional government is facing a big challenge in attempting to prosecute "thousands" of crimes committed in the country during last year's conflict to overthrow Moamer Gadaffi, the prosecutor for the International Criminal Court said Wednesday, DPA reported.

Luis Moreno-Ocampo told the UN Security Council during a session in New York that there are "thousands of allegations of crimes committed by Gaddafi forces and thousands of individuals allegedly involved in such crimes."

The Libyan National Transitional Council (NTC) is faced with a challenge "on many fronts" in investigating and prosecuting the allegations.

Moreno-Ocampo also said questions remained unanswered about the circumstances of the death of Gaddafi, who was killed by rebel troops on October 20 in Sirte.

Gaddafi's son, Saif al-Islam Gaddafi, was captured on November 19 in southern Libya and is being detained by the NTC.

Moreno-Ocampo said the NTC assured the ICC that Said al-Islam is receiving "adequate" treatment while detained in prison as the government prepares to prosecute him.

"The government of Libya has committed to a comprehensive strategy to address all crimes and end impunity in Libya," he added.