THE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP) — A Libyan national, Khaled Mohamed Ali El Hishri, has been arrested in Germany based on a sealed arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC). The ICC made the announcement on Friday, confirming that El Hishri was apprehended on Wednesday. He is accused of being one of the highest-ranking officials at Miriga Prison in Tripoli during a tumultuous period where thousands faced detention.
The ICC's warrant, issued on July 10, identifies El Hishri as a suspect in egregious crimes, including crimes against humanity and war crimes. Specific allegations against him include murder, torture, rape, and sexual violence, which purportedly occurred in Libya between February 2015 and early 2020. These charges reflect the grave situation in Libya, where the legal and moral fabric of society has been significantly compromised due to ongoing conflicts.
Currently, El Hishri is held in custody in Germany pending legal proceedings necessary for his extradition to The Hague. The ICC has expressed appreciation for the cooperation of German authorities in the arrest, acknowledging their role in fulfilling the court's mandate to uphold international justice.
Osvaldo Zavala Giler, the ICC Registrar, remarked on the importance of this cooperation, thanking national authorities for their "strong and consistent collaboration" with the ICC, which has culminated in this significant development. This arrest is part of the broader efforts by the ICC to hold individuals accountable for their actions during Libya’s perilous times following the uprising that led to the toppling of long-time ruler Moammar Gadhafi in 2011.
The United Nations Security Council had previously called for the ICC to investigate crimes in Libya amidst a backdrop of unrest and violence that has since devolved into a protracted civil war. Despite the ICC issuing a warrant for Gadhafi himself, he was killed by rebels before capture, underscoring the challenges faced by international law enforcement in conflict zones.
In addition to El Hishri, the ICC has active arrest warrants for eight other Libyan suspects, including one of Gadhafi's sons. Earlier in 2023, Libyan authorities took a significant step by accepting the ICC's jurisdiction over actions in the country from 2011 until the end of 2027, signaling a possible shift in their stance towards international accountability and recognition of the ICC's legal framework.
This arrest is a pivotal moment in the ongoing efforts to address impunity in Libya and may pave the way for further actions against individuals implicated in serious violations of human rights. The international community, through institutions like the ICC, remains committed to pursuing justice and ensuring that those responsible for atrocities are held accountable under international law.
