Call for inquest another front against Gadhafi

Associated Press

TRIPOLI, Libya

The International Criminal Court’s chief prosecutor sought arrest warrants Monday for Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi, his son and the country’s intelligence chief for authorizing the killing of civilians in a crackdown on anti- government rebels.

Gadhafi’s government denied the allegations.

The call for the inquest was the first such action in the Netherlands-based court linked to the Arab uprisings. It opened another potential front against Gadhafi’s regime even as the autocratic leader stands firm against widening NATO airstrikes and rebels with growing international backing.

At least two explosions could be heard in Tripoli early today, indicating more NATO airstrikes. It was not immediately known what was targeted or whether there were any casualties. The sound of sporadic gunfire could be heard in downtown Tripoli.

NATO has stepped up its airstrikes in Tripoli in an apparent attempt to weaken Gadhafi’s chief stronghold, the Libyan capital, and potentially target the leader himself.

The international warrants could further isolate Gadhafi and his inner circle and potentially complicate the options for a negotiated settlement. But they also could harden Gadhafi’s resolve to stand and fight, since the legal action has been seen in Libya as giving NATO more justification to go after him.

Because the United Nations Security Council ordered the ICC investigation, U.N. member states would be obliged to arrest him if he ventured into their territory.

Prosecutor Luis Moreno- Ocampo said he was seeking warrants against Gadhafi, his son Seif al-Islam Gadhafi, and intelligence chief Abdullah al-Sanoussi for ordering, planning and participating in illegal attacks.

The younger Gadhafi has become one of the public faces of the regime through frequent interviews with the media.