ICC demands Libya arrest suspect Osama Njeem

The International Criminal Court (ICC) has called on Libya’s Presidential Council and Government of National Unity to cooperate in the arrest of Osama Njeem Al-Masry, wanted for war crimes and crimes against humanity committed at Mitiga Prison since 2011.

On 22 January, the ICC’s Pre-Trial Chamber issued an arrest warrant accusing Al-Masry of murder, torture, rape, and sexual violence, committed either personally or through the Special Deterrence Forces under his command. Victims were targeted due to their religious beliefs, alleged immoral conduct, homosexuality, or suspected ties to rival groups.

Al-Masry was briefly detained by Italian authorities in Turin on 20 January but was released and returned to Libya, raising concerns over the enforcement of the warrant.

The ICC prosecutes serious international crimes when national courts are unable or unwilling to act. Al-Masry is associated with Libya’s Special Deterrence Forces, which have been accused of abuses in detention centres such as Mitiga Prison.

Libya’s ongoing political divisions hinder the enforcement of ICC decisions. The court has been investigating crimes related to Libya’s conflict since 2011.