Libyan ICC War Crimes Suspect Apprehended In Germany

Authorities in Germany have detained a Libyan national wanted by the International Criminal Court (ICC) over his alleged leadership role in a prison infamous for systematic torture and sexual abuse.

Khaled Mohamed Ali Al Hishri, believed to have served in a commanding position within the Special Deterrence Force during Libya’s civil conflict, was taken into custody on Wednesday, according to officials in Germany.

The ICC confirmed that Al Hishri will remain detained in Germany as domestic legal processes continue.

Prosecutors at the Court allege that Al Hishri is responsible for a range of serious offenses, including murder, sexual violence, and inhumane treatment, between February 2015 and early 2020, when he is said to have held a high-ranking post at Mitiga prison.

The facility, located in western Libya, was one of the country’s largest detention centers. Prosecutors describe it as a site where detainees were crammed into unsanitary conditions, repeatedly subjected to coercive interrogations and acts of torture.

According to the ICC’s account, both male and female prisoners were also victims of sexual abuse, including instances of rape.

The arrest occurs at a particularly sensitive moment for the Court, which is under pressure following political backlash over a recent arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu concerning alleged offenses related to the conflict in Gaza. The move led to sanctions by the United States and criticism from several of the Court’s European member countries.

Amid these tensions, the ICC is also dealing with internal leadership changes. Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan has temporarily stepped aside due to an ongoing UN-led inquiry into claims of sexual misconduct, which he denies. The prosecution office is currently being led by his two deputies.

In its statement issued Friday, the ICC prosecution office confirmed plans for Al Hishri’s transfer to The Hague and stated that preparations for trial proceedings are underway.

“This development is so needed at a time of unprecedented turmoil in the field of accountability generally and at the ICC specifically,” said Kip Hale, a lawyer involved in documenting Libya-related atrocities.

“Yet, it is most important for the victims of the many atrocity crimes committed at Mitiga prison,” he added.

Earlier this year, another Libyan ICC suspect, Osama Elmasry Njeem, was detained in Italy. However, authorities there later released him back to Libya, citing errors and inconsistencies in the arrest warrant. He too was suspected of involvement in abuses committed at the same prison facility.