'Rape is used as a weapon of war'

The International Criminal Court's chief prosecutor says there is evidence that Libyan leader Col Muammar Gaddafi ordered the rape of hundreds of women as a weapon against rebel forces.

Luis Moreno-Ocampo said rape was a new aspect of Colonel Gaddafi's repression.

He said he was also looking at possible evidence that pro-Gaddafi security forces had been given medication such as Viagra to enhance their sex drive.

There has so far been no comment on the allegations by the Libyan authorities.

Gita Saghal, a women's advocate and formerly a campaigner for Amnesty International told the BBC "rape is used as a weapon of war and it's about power... we know in Libya women have been speaking out".