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Libya Observer
31-07-2025
- Politics
- Libya Observer
Rights groups urge Germany to hand over Khaled El-Heshri to the ICC
More than 16 international non-governmental organizations have urged German authorities to swiftly extradite Khaled Al-Heshri—also known as 'Al-Buti'—a senior figure in Libya's Special Deterrence Force (Radaa), to the International Criminal Court (ICC) to ensure accountability for serious crimes committed in Libya. In a statement issued Wednesday, the International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH) announced its support for over 15 civil society organizations calling for Al-Heshri's immediate surrender and full cooperation with the ICC's ongoing investigation into Libya. The organizations welcomed Al-Heshri's arrest by German authorities at Berlin Brandenburg Airport on July 16, in execution of an ICC arrest warrant. They described the arrest as a major step in the long-standing effort to ensure accountability for grave international crimes committed in Libya, commending German authorities for their swift and decisive action. Al-Heshri held a senior position at Mitiga Prison in Tripoli and managed several detention facilities at the Mitiga airbase. According to the ICC, he is accused of committing or overseeing crimes against humanity and war crimes, including murder, torture, rape, and other forms of sexual violence, between February 2015 and at least early 2020. According to the FIDH, Al-Heshri's arrest marks a pivotal development, as his case is the first from the Libya file to move toward judicial proceedings before the ICC in The Hague. 'The arrest sends a powerful message to survivors that justice is possible—even amid ongoing conflict and shifting power dynamics in Libya,' the statement reads. 'However, justice requires follow-through, and we urge Germany to ensure the prompt and effective surrender of Al-Heshri to the ICC so that proceedings can move forward without delay.' It called on all States Parties to the Rome Statute to fully cooperate with the ICC.
Business Insider
19-07-2025
- Politics
- Business Insider
Top ICC fugitive linked to war crimes, prison abuses in Libya arrested in Germany
A Libyan man, Khaled Mohamed Ali El Hishri—also known as 'Al-Buti'—was arrested in Germany on July 16, 2025, under a warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) over alleged crimes committed in Libya. The allegations against El Hishri include murder, torture, and rape conducted over a five-year period starting in 2015. El Hishri was affiliated with the Special Deterrence Force (SDF), aligned with Libya's interior ministry He will be transferred to The Hague to face ICC proceedings El Hishri is suspected of committing war crimes and crimes against humanity while serving as a senior official at the Mitiga Prison complex in Tripoli, Libya. The allegations include acts of murder, torture, and rape, either carried out by him directly or under his oversight. These crimes are believed to have occurred over a five-year period starting from 2015. There has been no public response or comment from El Hishri regarding the accusations. The Mitiga detention facility, located in Libya's capital, has been the subject of extensive human rights concerns. Amnesty International has described it as a site of 'horrific violations committed with total impunity.' Among those detained at Mitiga are migrants attempting to reach Europe, who are often held under brutal conditions. El Hishri was affiliated with the Special Deterrence Force (SDF), also referred to as Rada, a group aligned with the interior ministry of the internationally recognised government based in Tripoli. His arrest follows a broader investigation by the ICC into crimes committed during Libya's ongoing conflict. Since the fall of Muammar Gaddafi in 2011, the court has issued 11 arrest warrants related to alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity committed in the country. Ongoing ICC efforts and Libya's cooperation The ICC's involvement began after the United Nations Security Council referred the situation in Libya to the Court in February 2011. In its resolution, the Council condemned the use of force against civilians and widespread human rights abuses, including the repression of peaceful demonstrators. Although 11 warrants have been issued, eight are still pending. Several suspects remain at large, including Osama Najim, also known as Almasri, who was allegedly the director of the Mitiga detention centre. Najim was released earlier this year by Italian authorities due to what was described as a legal technicality. The ICC stated that his release occurred without its prior notice or consultation and has since issued another warrant for his arrest. El Hishri will remain in German custody while preparations are made for his transfer to The Hague to face proceedings at the ICC. His case adds to the court's ongoing efforts to pursue accountability for crimes committed during Libya's post-2011 turmoil. In a statement, the ICC expressed gratitude to the Libyan victims and witnesses who contributed to the investigation, acknowledging their courage and cooperation as instrumental to recent developments. In May 2025, Libya formally accepted the ICC's jurisdiction over crimes committed on its territory from 2011 through the end of 2027. The country remains politically divided, with power fragmented between rival governments and militia-controlled territories since Gaddafi's ousting.
Libya Observer
10-07-2025
- Politics
- Libya Observer
UN Mission calls for immediate de-escalation in Tripoli, warns against violence
The United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) has called for an immediate de-escalation and an end to military mobilizations in the capital, Tripoli, and its surrounding areas. In a statement released Wednesday evening, the mission expressed concern over persistent reports of troop build-ups and warned of the risk of renewed clashes. UNSMIL urged all parties to refrain from the use of force, particularly in densely populated areas, and to avoid any actions or rhetoric that could escalate tensions. The mission also called for the immediate withdrawal of forces recently deployed in Tripoli. It stressed that any attacks against civilians would hold the perpetrators legally accountable. The mission reaffirmed it is continuing its efforts to de-escalate the situation and called on all parties to engage in these efforts in good faith. The mission also emphasized the urgent need to implement the security arrangements developed by the Joint Committees on the Ceasefire and Security Arrangements. It reiterated that 'dialogue – not violence – is the only path to achieving lasting peace and stability in Tripoli and across Libya.' This comes amid growing tensions and heavy military mobilizations in several areas in eastern and western Tripoli. There is widespread speculation about the potential outbreak of large-scale clashes at any moment between forces affiliated with the government and opposing groups—most notably the Special Deterrence Force and other factions from Al-Zawiya, primarily composed of armed groups recently ordered to disband. Arrest warrants have also been issued for some of their members by the Office of the Attorney General. Tags: UNSMIL clashes in tripoli Ceasefire
Libya Observer
19-05-2025
- Libya Observer
Libyan rights group urges closure of Mitiga Prison after inmate killed in shelling
A Libyan rights organisation has called for the immediate closure of Mitiga Prison in Tripoli following the death of a detainee during recent clashes in the capital. Libyan Crime Watch said Qurayrah al-Mazoughi, 65, died when a shell struck one of the prison's wards on 14 May. He had reportedly been held without charge for more than four years by the Special Deterrence Force, which controls the facility. At least four other detainees were injured, while the fate of hundreds remains unknown, the group said, citing a lack of transparency and basic safety measures. In a statement, the organisation expressed deep concern over ongoing arbitrary detentions and 'inhumane' conditions at the prison. It called for the immediate release of all detainees—especially those ordered freed by courts or held without due process. The group also urged the Attorney General to launch an urgent and independent investigation into al-Mazoughi's death and to hold those responsible accountable under international fair trial standards. Furthermore, it called on the International Criminal Court to continue probing alleged human rights violations in Libyan detention centres, which could constitute crimes under its jurisdiction. The organisation is urging prosecutors to investigate the role of Abdul Raouf Kara, head of the Special Deterrence Force, under the principle of command responsibility outlined in the Rome Statute. Mitiga Prison has long faced criticism for operating without judicial oversight and failing to meet international human rights standards.
The National
16-05-2025
- Politics
- The National
Libya recognises authority of ICC to investigate war crimes on its territory
Libya has recognised the authority of the International Criminal Court to investigate alleged war crimes on its territory, even though it is not a party to the court's founding treaty, chief prosecutor Karim Khan said on Thursday. "I strongly welcome the courage, the leadership and the decision by the Libyan authorities" to accept the ICC's jurisdiction over possible war crimes and repression committed in the country, Mr Khan said. Speaking to the UN Security Council by video, the chief prosecutor told of progress in uncovering what he called "a black box of suffering on the Mediterranean coast", referring to detention centres where alleged crimes have taken place. He highlighted Libyan authorities' stated commitment to co-operate with the court and called for the handover of a suspect accused of grave crimes against detainees, including migrants and refugees. In particular, he told of "an unprecedented six months of dynamism", pointing to the arrest in January of Osama Elmasry Njeem, a commander in the disbanded Special Deterrence Force. Mr Njeem, who ran the Mitiga detention centre, is accused of war crimes and crimes against humanity, including murder, rape and torture against migrants. He was briefly detained in Italy in January but was released two days later on "procedural grounds" and returned to Libya. 'There was real disappointment amongst victims that Mr Njeem has been returned to the scene of the alleged crimes,' said Mr Khan. He urged Libyan authorities to hand over Mr Njeem to the ICC so he can stand trial for the crimes that were listed in the warrant. Libya has been under ICC investigation since 2011, when the Security Council referred the case to the court amid the uprising that toppled long-time leader Muammar Qaddafi. The ICC opened its probe days later. In November 2023, Mr Khan said his office aimed to conclude investigative work in Libya by the end of 2025, after which no further arrest warrants would be sought. The ICC has issued warrants for 12 people linked to alleged crimes during Libya's 2011 revolution, the 2014-2020 conflict and abuses in detention centres, including against migrants. Three of those wanted have since died, while eight remain fugitives. The court dismissed the case against Mr Qaddafi's former intelligence chief, Abdullah Al Senussi, ruling it inadmissible. Libyan authorities have failed to arrest and transfer any ICC suspects since 2011, stalling efforts to deliver justice. The Security Council has not acted on the court's past requests to enforce co-operation from Libya. Mr Khan's briefing came after US President Donald Trump's February 6 executive order authorising sanctions against ICC officials, including the chief prosecutor. Washington's acting alternate representative to the UN, John Kelley, condemned the ICC as a "politicised" body, accusing it of bias against the US and Israel. "The ICC has engaged in illegitimate and baseless actions targeting America and our close ally Israel," Mr Kelley said, warning that Mr Trump's sanctions order would bring "tangible and significant consequences" for those involved in the court's decisions. The ICC in November approved arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former defence minister Yoav Gallant over alleged war crimes, including restricting aid and attacking citizens during Israel's Gaza offensive. Nine Security Council members – France, Britain, Denmark, Greece, Guyana, Panama, South Korea, Sierra Leone and Slovenia, all ICC signatories – opposed, stating that attacking the court or its personnel was "counterproductive to our shared goal of ensuring accountability for the most serious crimes".
