UN rights chief urges probe into Gaddafi’s death

There are four or five different versions about the death of Gaddafi.

The circumstances surrounding the death of Libya’s ousted despot Gaddafi are unclear and an investigation is needed,the UN human rights chief said today.

“On the issue of Gaddafi’s death yesterday,the circumstances are still unclear,” Navi Pillay’s spokesman Rupert Colville said.

“There are four or five different versions of how he died. There should be some kind of investigation given what we saw yesterday,” he said.

Question marks remained about how Gaddafi met his end. Mobile phone footage appeared to show him captured bloodied but still alive and then killed by his captors.

“The two videos…taken together are very disturbing,” noted Colville.

Nevertheless,Gaddafi’s death and the fall of Sirte has led to a “new era” for Libya,he said.

“A new era is now beginning which should respond to the aspirations of the people for democracy and human rights,” said Colville,calling for human rights to be a “cornerstone for all future policies and actions” in the country.

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“One key aspect to obtain closure on the legacy of Gaddafi…would be to ensure that justice is done,” the spokesman said.

“The thousands of victims who suffered loss of lives,disappearances,torture and other serious human rights violations since the conflict occurred in February 2011 as well of those who suffered human rights violations throughout Gaddafi’s long rule have the right to know the truth.

“And they have the right to see the culture of impunity brought to an end and to receive reparations,” he said.