Clinton condemns use of rape as a weapon in Libya

Washington, June 17 (ANI): The US Secretary of State, Hilary Clinton has accused Libyan forces of using rape as a weapon of war. Clinton said she was concerned about Libyan dictator Colonel Muammar Gaddafi's troops resorting to widescale rape and sexual violence to punish protesters. The International Criminal Court (ICC) has said that it believes orders were given to rape in Libya. In other parts of the Middle East and North Africa there are reports of "virginity tests". " Since Iman al-Obeidi hadburst into a hotel in Tripoli on 26 March to reveal that Gaddafi's security forces raped her, other brave women have come forward to tell of the horrible brutality they have experienced" Clinton said in a statement. ICC's recent report suggested that there was an official policy of rape encouraged by Col Gaddafi. Clinton said a thorough investigation was needed "to bring perpetrators to justice". (ANI)