The International Criminal Court (ICC) has announced that Libyan national Khaled Mohamed Ali El Hishri, wanted for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity, is now officially in its custody. El Hishri’s transfer marks a major step forward in the ICC’s long-running investigation into abuses committed in Libya during years of internal conflict.

According to an ICC statement released on Monday, El Hishri was surrendered by German authorities after being arrested in Germany on July 16, 2025. His extradition to The Hague reflects growing international cooperation in investigations linked to Libya’s turbulent post-revolution period.

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Who Is Khaled Mohamed Ali El Hishri?

The ICC alleges that El Hishri served as one of the most senior officials at Mitiga Prison, a facility in Libya where thousands of detainees were allegedly held for long periods during the years following the country’s political upheaval.

Prosecutors say El Hishri is suspected of:

• Direct involvement in serious human rights violations
• Ordering or overseeing abuses
• Crimes against humanity
• War crimes, including murder, torture, sexual violence and other severe offenses, reportedly committed between 2015 and early 2020

The ICC emphasized that these allegations form part of a broader investigation into systemic abuses within Libyan detention centers.

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ICC Investigation in Libya: A Decade of Work

The ICC has been examining alleged crimes in Libya since March 2011, when the United Nations Security Council referred the situation to the court during the uprising against former Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi.

Although Libya is not a member of the Rome Statute—the treaty that established the ICC—the Libyan government has accepted the court’s jurisdiction over crimes committed between 2011 and 2027.

Deputy Prosecutor Nazhat Shameem Khan recently briefed the UN Security Council, saying there is “new momentum toward justice in Libya.” She also warned of significant challenges, including attempts to pressure or intimidate ICC personnel.

Khan stressed that accountability is essential for victims of torture, unlawful imprisonment, and other severe violations:
“It is the victims of these crimes who stand to lose the most from any efforts to obstruct justice,” she said.

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Outstanding Warrants and Related Cases

El Hishri is one of 10 individuals currently wanted by the ICC in connection with crimes committed in Libya.

Other notable suspects include:

• Saif al-Islam Gaddafi, son of former Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi
• Osama Elmasry Njeem, former Chief of Judicial Police

Njeem was arrested in Italy earlier this year but was unexpectedly released and returned to Libya before facing local arrest again. After the release, the ICC reminded all Rome Statute member states—including Italy—of their obligation to cooperate fully in arrests and extraditions.

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What Is the Role of the ICC?

Established in 2002, the ICC is the world’s first permanent international court dedicated to prosecuting individuals responsible for:

• War crimes
• Crimes against humanity
• Genocide
• Crimes of aggression

While headquartered in The Hague, the ICC operates independently from the United Nations and relies heavily on member-state cooperation to execute arrest warrants and uphold international justice.