Interpol issues global security alert for Gaddafi and others

Interpol issues global security alert for Gaddafi and others

2011-03-04 23:04:31 GMT+7 (ICT)

LYON, FRANCE (BNO NEWS) -- The International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) on Friday issued a global alert for Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi and several of his associates to help enforce sanctions against them.

The world police body said it issued the so-called Orange Notice against Gaddafi and 15 others in a bid to warn member states of the danger posed by their movement and the assets which belong to them, although they have been blocked under United Nations Security Council Resolution 1970.

The notice is also aimed to assist the International Criminal Court (ICC) in its investigation into alleged crimes against humanity in Libya. "Interpol's constitution provides a clear mandate for the widest co-operation among law enforcement authorities in its member countries, within the spirit of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and in the prevention of serious human rights abuses," said Interpol Secretary-General Ronald Noble.

He added: "As a first priority, we must work to protect the civilian populations of Libya and of any country into which these Libyan individuals may travel or attempt to move their assets."

According to Interpol, the 16 individuals subject to the Orange Notice have been identified as being involved in or complicit in planning attacks, including aerial bombardments, on civilian populations. The notice will prevent Gaddafi and the others from traveling to Interpol's 188 member countries.

"If member states are expected to implement effectively the travel ban and asset freeze against the named individuals in order to prevent serious criminal conduct and abuse of human rights, they will need instant access to hard data," Noble said. "Interpol's secure global communications system and databases will give them access to the information on which to act. The ICC Prosecutor will also need secure options for gathering and sharing information relevant to his investigation which Interpol can provide."

Other individuals identified in the Orange Notice are Libyan Defense Minister Major General Abu-Bakr Yunis Jabr and Libyan Prime Minister Baghdadi Mahmudi. Children of Gaddafi, many whom have notable positions in the Libyan government, are also included.

Libya has been plunged into chaos as massive anti-government protests continue nationwide, resulting in a violent crackdown by security forces which included aerial bombardments on protesters. Up to 2,000 people are believed to have been killed in the uprising, but confirmed information has been difficult to obtain due to reporting restrictions by Libyan authorities.

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