Attacks on Libyan protestors ‘crime against humanity’ – UN rights official

Attacks by security forces on protestors in Libya may amount to a crime against humanity, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay said on Tuesday.

Reports indicate up to 500 people could have been killed by government forces since protests began and thousands more have been wounded.

"The authorities should immediately cease such illegal acts of violence against demonstrators. Widespread and systematic attacks against the civilian population may amount to crimes against humanity,” Pillay said.

'The international community must unite in condemnation of such acts and make unequivocal commitments to ensure justice is rendered to the thousands of victims of this repression,' she added.

MOSCOW, February 23 (RIA Novosti)