Clinton concerned over Libya rape reports

The US secretary of state has said she is troubled by reports that Libyan government forces are raping civilians.

Hillary Clinton said she was "deeply concerned" that Muammar Gaddafi's troops were participating in widescale rape in Libya, BBC reported.

The International Criminal Court says it believes that there were orders given to rape and drugs were provided.

In other parts of the Middle East and North Africa, Mrs Clinton said, there were even reports of "virginity tests.”

She said that there were reports that governments across the Middle East and North Africa were using sexual violence to punish protesters and said such acts violate "basic human dignity."

"Rape, physical intimidation, sexual harassment, and even so-called 'virginity tests' have taken place in countries throughout the region," she said in a statement.

Mrs Clinton said a thorough investigation was needed "to bring perpetrators to justice."