German authorities detain Libyan suspect on ICC warrant
The International Criminal Court (ICC) has welcomed the arrest of Khaled Mohamed Ali Al‑Hishri , a senior Libyan official, by German authorities on 16 July 2025, following the issuance of a sealed arrest warrant in connection with alleged atrocities committed in Libya.
Al‑Hishri, a high-ranking commander within the Special Deterrence Forces, is accused of overseeing the notorious Mitiga Prison in Tripoli, where thousands of individuals were reportedly detained in degrading and abusive conditions. Between February 2015 and early 2020, he is alleged to have played a central role in a campaign of serious violations, including murder, torture, rape, and other forms of sexual violence.
The Office of the Prosecutor submitted its request for an arrest warrant on 3 April 2025. On 10 July 2025, Pre-Trial Chamber I of the ICC issued the warrant, concluding that there were reasonable grounds to believe Al‑Hishri bears individual criminal responsibility for war crimes and crimes against humanity committed in or around Mitiga Prison.
Al‑Hishri remains in German custody while national proceedings take place under Article 59 of the Rome Statute, pending a potential transfer to the Court's detention facility in The Hague.
The ICC described the arrest as a significant milestone in its investigation into the situation in Libya — the first arrest to stem from its focused efforts on crimes committed in detention facilities. This development is part of a broader strategy grounded in United Nations Security Council Resolution 1970 (2011), with Libya having accepted the Court's jurisdiction through to the end of 2027.
'This arrest marks a crucial step towards justice for victims of grave crimes committed in Libyan detention centres,' the Prosecutor's Office stated. 'It reflects the determination of our unified Libya team and the courage of those who provided evidence at great personal risk.'
The investigation has been led by the ICC's Unified Libya Team, under the direction of Deputy Prosecutor Nazhat Shameem Khan, with support from the Registry and the Court's Tracking and Information Integration Section.
The Office expressed its deep appreciation to the Libyan victims and witnesses whose cooperation was essential to the investigation. It also commended the German authorities for their swift and effective execution of the arrest warrant.
Looking ahead, the Office reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with national governments, regional organisations, and affected communities to uphold justice for crimes falling under the Rome Statute.
The arrest of Khaled Al‑Hishri is expected to mark the beginning of formal judicial proceedings in the ICC's Libya case, setting a powerful precedent in the ongoing fight against impunity for international crimes.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Libyan Express
8 hours ago
- Libyan Express
HNEC, UN review 2025 vote plans
BY Libyan Express Jul 22, 2025 - 04:16 Al-Sayeh, UN discuss election readiness The Chairman of the High National Elections Commission (HNEC), Dr Emad Al-Sayeh, met on Monday with Ms Stephanie Koury, Deputy Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Libya, to review ongoing preparations for the second round of municipal council elections scheduled for 2025. The meeting focused on the Commission's technical and logistical readiness, particularly as the voter card distribution phase nears completion. With this key stage concluding, HNEC is now transitioning into the vote-preparation phase for the targeted municipalities. Dr Al-Sayeh provided an update on the Commission's operational plan and reaffirmed HNEC's commitment to conducting the elections in a transparent, impartial, and well-organised manner. He stressed that the Commission is working according to a clear timeline developed in close coordination with relevant national bodies and international partners. The discussions also addressed political and technical challenges affecting the electoral process, especially those linked to activating international support mechanisms facilitated through the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). Both sides emphasised the importance of ensuring a stable and coherent environment to implement the electoral roadmap effectively. Established in 2012, the High National Elections Commission is an independent national institution mandated by Libyan law to organise and oversee all electoral processes, including presidential, parliamentary, and municipal elections. HNEC plays a central role in safeguarding electoral integrity and works to foster voter participation and electoral awareness in partnership with local and international stakeholders. Ms Koury reiterated the United Nations' full support for the Commission, noting the UN's ongoing role in providing technical and advisory assistance to ensure the success and credibility of Libya's electoral processes. The meeting reflects the continued collaboration between Libyan institutions and international partners in supporting a peaceful and democratic transition through inclusive and well-managed elections. The views expressed in Op-Ed pieces are those of the author and do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of Libyan Express. How to submit an Op-Ed: Libyan Express accepts opinion articles on a wide range of topics. Submissions may be sent to oped@ Please include 'Op-Ed' in the subject line.
Libyan Express
2 days ago
- Libyan Express
Agricultural Bank officials jailed over corruption and loan fraud
BY Libyan Express Jul 20, 2025 - 08:42 Libyan prosecutors jail Agricultural Bank officials over fraud Libya's Attorney General has ordered the pretrial detention of the former branch manager of the Agricultural Bank in Al-Aziziyah and the branch's former head of legal affairs, in connection with a long-running investigation into illicit enrichment and financial misconduct dating back to 2011. In a statement obtained by Libyan Express on Saturday, the Attorney General's Office said the charges stem from a series of banking operations uncovered at the Al-Aziziyah branch. Investigators found that the two suspects had approved a loan worth 2.75 million Libyan dinars (approximately $560,000) without securing the necessary collateral required by law. The investigation also revealed that the accused had falsified borrower information to deliberately obstruct the repayment process—actions prosecutors say constitute clear abuse of public office and deliberate facilitation of financial fraud. As a result, both individuals have been placed in pretrial custody as the investigation continues. The case comes amid a broader national campaign against corruption. In May, Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibeh reaffirmed his government's pledge to pursue accountability under the 'Libya Free of Militias and Corruption' initiative, warning, 'Those who continue to engage in corruption or blackmail will be held to account.' The views expressed in Op-Ed pieces are those of the author and do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of Libyan Express. How to submit an Op-Ed: Libyan Express accepts opinion articles on a wide range of topics. Submissions may be sent to oped@ Please include 'Op-Ed' in the subject line.
Libyan Express
2 days ago
- Libyan Express
Benzeer urges UN to back Libya council plan
Berlin III charts path to unified Libyan governance, says Dr. Ramadan Benzeer Dr. Ramadan Benzeer, Professor of International Law and Human Rights and member of the Scientific Committee at the National Center for Research and Scientific Studies, affirmed that the Berlin III Conference marked a significant milestone in the international community's approach to the Libyan crisis. The conference concluded with broad international consensus around a new roadmap aimed at reuniting Libya under a single executive authority tasked with managing state affairs and preparing for national elections within 18 to 24 months. As part of this roadmap, the plan also envisions the formation of a constituent council to replace both the House of Representatives and the High Council of State—ushering in a new phase of legitimacy and institutional reform. Dr. Benzeer noted that the recommendations of the advisory committee and the outcomes of Berlin III are expected to be codified in a binding international resolution, one that redefines the legal and political foundation of governance in Libya. Speaking during a virtual seminar hosted by the Arab Forum for Cultural Diversity in the United Kingdom and broadcast via the London Air studio, Dr. Benzeer underscored the importance of the fourth option presented by the advisory committee. This option—which calls for the establishment of a unified executive and a constituent council chosen through transparent, merit-based criteria—has reportedly garnered wide approval across the Libyan political and civil spectrum. 'The proposed constituent body must ensure inclusive representation from all components of Libyan society, including political actors, civil society, youth, and women, while maintaining both geographic and demographic balance,' Benzeer emphasized. Dr. Benzeer also issued a direct appeal to Hanaa Singer-Hamdy, Head of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL), urging her to incorporate this fourth option in her forthcoming briefing to the UN Security Council. He warned that public sentiment in Libya is reaching a boiling point, with many perceiving the UN mission as managing the crisis rather than working to resolve it. 'The Libyan public is disillusioned,' he said. 'UNSMIL must demonstrate that it is a committed and effective partner in advancing a political solution—otherwise, we risk further erosion of public trust and deepening national frustration.' Concluding his remarks, Dr. Benzeer reflected on the emphasis placed during the Berlin talks on the rule of law and the establishment of a state governed by institutions. He called for immediate action by the Government of National Unity to uphold judicial integrity. 'What Libya needs most is a fair and independent judiciary, and public officials who respect and implement court rulings,' he stated. 'We urge the Prime Minister to enforce all judicial decisions—particularly the release of those acquitted and the liberation of individuals detained without charge or legal basis. The ongoing failure to implement rulings by the Supreme Court is not only deeply troubling, but wholly unacceptable in any lawful state.'
