ICC's action in Libya sent a message

Swift action by the international courts against the former regime in Libya sent a strong message to those accused of grievous crimes, a British official said. British Foreign Minister for Africa Henry Bellingham praised the International Criminal Court's influence in the world during a visit to the court in The Hague. "Its swift action on Libya complemented other international efforts and showed the ICC's relevance," he said in a statement. "It proved that those who commit crimes against humanity have no impunity." The ICC said it had evidence to suggest Moammar Gadhafi and members of his inner circle committed crimes against humanity against the civilian population since February. In September, Interpol announced it issued Red Notices for members of Gadhafi's inner circle following a request from the ICC. "The ICC now has its highest ever profile," added Bellingham. The ICC warned the Democratic Republic of Congo, meanwhile, it was keeping an eye on the country as it prepared for elections later this month. The court was asked to investigate post-election violence in Ivory Coast by the country's president. Without such a request, the ICC holds no jurisdiction in countries that don't recognize the Rome Statute that created the court.