The Office of the Prosecutor (OTP) of the International Criminal Court (ICC) has welcomed the arrest of Libyan national Khaled Mohamed Ali El Hishri in Germany on 16 July 2025. El Hishri, a senior official of the Special Deterrence Forces (Radaa), is accused of committing war crimes and crimes against humanity at Mitiga Prison between 2015 and 2020.
In a statement, the ICC confirmed that German authorities carried out the arrest under a warrant issued by the Court’s Pre-Trial Chamber I on 10 July 2025. The OTP filed its request for El Hishri’s arrest in April 2025, citing allegations of murder, torture, rape, and sexual violence.
The ICC noted that El Hishri played a leading role at Mitiga Prison, where thousands of detainees were held for prolonged periods under inhumane conditions. “We look forward to his transfer to the ICC in due course,” the OTP said, adding that his arrest marks a significant step in the Court’s efforts to secure accountability for crimes committed in Libya.
The investigation into crimes at detention facilities in Libya remains a priority under the ICC’s renewed strategy following UN Security Council resolution 1970 (2011). The Prosecutor’s office highlighted that this arrest aligns with its objective to bring key suspects to trial in 2025.
The OTP expressed gratitude to Libyan victims and witnesses for their courage and cooperation. “Their strength and commitment make these developments possible,” the statement added.
The ICC continues to pursue multiple lines of inquiry in Libya, focusing on serious human rights violations and war crimes. The Court reaffirmed its readiness to proceed with El Hishri’s trial once he is transferred to The Hague.
