Libyan official says 3 British female activists of Pakistani origin raped in eastern Libya

TRIPOLI, Libya – Libya's deputy prime minister says pro-government militiamen are suspected of having raped three British female activists of Pakistani origin in the eastern city of Benghazi.

Awsad al-Barassi says the women were part of an overland aid convoy bound for Gaza. The women were traveling with two male companions when they were kidnapped Tuesday on their way to the Benghazi airport after deciding return to Britain.

Al-Barassi told Libya al-Hurra TV late Thursday that he has met with the women and they are in "very bad shape."

Pakistani Foreign Ministry spokesman Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry condemned the incident and said Islamabad is in contact with Libyan authorities.

Britain's Foreign Office said it is aware of an incident involving British nationals who were part of an aid convoy. It did not elaborate.