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.
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