ICC Approves Trial of Libyan Suspect in Murder, Rape, and Torture Case

THE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP) — International Criminal Court judges on Thursday confirmed charges against a Libyan national, ordering his trial on allegations of murder, rape, and torture committed at a disputed prison. The case marks the court’s first proceeding related to North Africa.

The 17-count indictment stems from evidence presented by prosecutors, accusing Khaled Mohamed Ali El Hishri of brutal treatment of detainees at Mitiga prison between 2014 and 2020. El Hishri, described as a senior commander in charge of the facility’s women’s section, allegedly earned the moniker “Angel of Death” for his cruelty.

The court’s judges concluded “there are substantial grounds to believe that Mr. El Hishri is responsible” for the crimes. Deputy Prosecutor Nazhat Shameem Khan emphasized the ruling advances justice for victims subjected to unlawful detention and severe abuse.

Defense attorneys argued the court lacked jurisdiction, though judges have since affirmed its authority in the case. El Hishri, detained by Germany following an ICC arrest warrant in July, was transferred to the Netherlands for the trial, which has yet to be scheduled.

Libya’s non-membership in the ICC contrasts with the U.N. Security Council’s 2011 mandate to investigate the country amid post-Gaddafi chaos. The court previously sought Gaddafi’s arrest, but he was killed by rebels before extradition.

This development follows heightened scrutiny of the ICC, as U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced plans to pressure member states to withdraw support, sanction court collaborators, and bar staff from entering the U.S. The Trump administration has already imposed sanctions on ICC officials over investigations into Israeli and American personnel.

Source link