By IANS,
Canberra : Australia has frozen money transactions of 16 key figures associated with the Libyan government.
In a statement issued Wednesday, the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) revealed the sanctions against key individuals, including three sons of embattled Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi, two of his cousins as well as his brother in-law, Xinhua reported.
Fund transfers will also be denied to the Libyan defence minister, the head of Gaddafi’s personal security and other senior military figures.
“Transactions involving the transfer of funds or payments to, by the order of, or on behalf of any (listed) person are prohibited without prior approval from the Reserve Bank,” the RBA said.
The announcement came after the Australian federal government announced travel and financial restrictions on 22 Libyan figures, including Gaddafi, last month.
Libya is reeling under massive anti-government protests since Feb 14. The protesters are demanding the ouster of Gaddafi who has ruled the north African country for 42 years. The violent clashes between anti-government protesters and pro-Gaddafi troops have claimed over 1,000 lives.