16-05-2025
Deterrence force slams ICC prosecutor for ‘blatant bias'
International Criminal Court (ICC) Prosecutor Karim Khan. Photo via ICC
The Deterrence Force for Combating Organised Crime and Terrorism has strongly criticised International Criminal Court (ICC) Prosecutor Karim Khan following his recent briefing to the United Nations Security Council.
In an official statement released on Wednesday, the Libyan security force expressed 'deep astonishment' at Khan's presentation, alleging it contained 'serious fallacies unbecoming of an institution supposedly neutral.'
A spokesperson for the Deterrence Force condemned what they described as 'blatant bias and unacceptable selectivity' in Khan's assessment of the situation in Libya. The statement emphasised the Deterrence Force's legitimacy as a security institution operating under the direct authority of Libya's Presidential Council and in accordance with national law, in coordination with the Attorney General's Office.
The Deterrence Force specifically refuted Khan's reported remarks about 'dissolving the agency,' asserting that no official dissolution order has been issued by relevant Libyan authorities.
Referring to the case of Ministry of Justice employee Osama Najim, reportedly mentioned in Khan's briefing, the statement clarified that his release was facilitated through official intervention by the Government of National Unity, indicating the active involvement of Libyan authorities in the matter.
The statement also highlighted the Deterrence Force's ongoing role in combating terrorism and organised crime across Libya, claiming they have successfully brought leaders of terrorist organisations to justice while the ICC remained 'completely absent from the scene.'
The Libyan force further accused the ICC of employing double standards by allegedly disregarding documented crimes in Libyan cities, including bombings, assassinations, and torture.
Concluding its statement, the Deterrence Force noted that it has formally notified the Presidential Council of its concerns. Relevant departments have been tasked with documenting violations committed in Libya for prosecution 'without selectivity or politicisation.'
