20120409
AFP
Libyan leaders in Misrata could be held legally accountable by the International Criminal Court for crimes committed by militias under their command, Human Rights Watch warned on Sunday.

"The leaders of the Libyan city of Misrata could be held criminally responsible for ongoing serious crimes by forces under their command," the watchdog said in an open letter to the city’s military and civilian leaders.

The International Criminal Court could bring local leaders into account for ongoing torture and abuse in jails and around Misrata as well as the forced displacement of people from the nearby town of Tawargha it said.

"The city’s leaders can be held legally responsible for those acts by the ICC," the rights group said, adding that the ongoing abuse is so widespread and systematic that it could amount to crimes against humanity.

Misrata in February became the first city to elect a local council after the 2011 conflict that toppled the regime of slain leader Moamer Kadhafi. Its military council, forged last year, wields influence beyond the coastal city.

"Our letter to Misrata authorities is a wake-up call," said Sarah Leah Whitson, Middle East director at Human Rights Watch.