The International Criminal Court’s prosecutor called on Libyan authorities not to cover up crimes committed against its people, warning that the regime could face investigation.

The International Criminal Court's prosecutor called on Libyan authorities not to cover up crimes committed against its people, warning that the regime could face investigation.

The head of jurisdiction Phakiso Mochochoko said: “The office calls upon you and other Libyan authorities to refrain from being involved in such cover up. Failure to do so will result in investigation and prosecution.”

The office "considers that part of the criminal plan implemented in Libya includes the cover-up of the crimes" committed to quash a popular uprising against Colonel Muammar Gaddafi that erupted in February, the official told AFP news agency.  

Two days earlier, the ICC Prosecutor Luis Moreno-Ocampo asked the court's judges to issue arrest warrants against Gaddafi, his second-oldest son Seif al-Islam and his brother-in-law Abdullah al-Senussi -- for crimes against humanity.

But Libya's government spokesman Mussa Ibrahim has dismissed the ICC's bid, saying the court has no jurisdiction over Tripoli while denying accusations that the regime ordered the killing of civilians or hired mercenaries against them.