A UN spokesman on Friday warned the Libyan rebels who have taken control of most of the country's territory against causing any bodily harm to fugitive leader Muammar Gaddafi.
Rupert Colville, the UN human rights spokesman, told a briefing in Geneva that Gaddafi should be detained in accordance with the mandate of the International Criminal Court. Gaddafi escaped after the opposition seized his headquarters in the capital Tripoli on Tuesday.
"We urge all those in positions of authority in Libya, including field commanders, to take active steps to ensure that no crimes, or acts of revenge, are committed," Colville said.
The whereabouts of the 40-year Libyan leader have remained unknown. The Libyan rebels have set the prize of $1.7 million on his head.
Armed clashes between Gaddafi loyalists and the rebels have been continuing for six months. The rebels now control 95% of the oil-rich country's territory. In February, they formed a National Transitional Council led by former Justice Minister Mustafa Abdul Jalil. About 45 countries have recognized the legitimacy of the council.
