Libyan Government Investigated For Viagra-Fueled Gang Rapes

By Margaret Hartmann  |  May 18, 2011 | 3:40pm
Latest

New information out of Libya suggests the brutal rape Iman al-Obeidi suffered is far from an isolated incident. The International Criminal Court is investigating reports that rape is being used as a weapon of war by Gadhafi’s forces, and hundreds of women have been victimized.


Earlier, Al Jazeera reported that doctors are finding Viagra and condoms in the pockets of dead soldiers, suggesting they’re being distributed to encourage troops to rape. Rebels report that they’ve seen stockpiles of these items inside the compounds of government forces. Now according to CNN, the court in The Hague has made investigating these claims a priority.

Luis Moreno-Ocampo, the ICC’s chief prosecutor, says women who show signs of being affiliated with the rebels are being raped in police barracks after they’re stopped at checkpoints. He adds:

“There’s some information with Viagra. So, it’s like a machete. It’s new. Viagra is a tool of massive rape. So we are investigating. We are not ready to present the case yet, but I hope in the coming month, we’ll add charges or review the charges for rapes.”

As for Obeidi, who’s put a face on these crimes, she recently escaped Tripoli and is living in another country (other reports say she’s in Tunisia). CNN’s Nic Robertson interviewed her recently, and asked her what she thought of the men who raped her. She said, “I was telling myself to defy them. These animals cannot slip without punishment.”

ICC To Investigate Reports Of Viagra-Fueled Gang-Rapes In Libya [CNN]

Earlier: Libyan Woman Reportedly Sued By Her Rapists
Libyan Rape Victim Iman Al-Obeidi Escapes To Tunisia

 
Join the discussion...