The South Benghazi Primary Court has issued an urgent judicial order rejecting the jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court (ICC) over Libya. The court declared the ICC’s mandate in Libya invalid, delivering a major legal blow to the international tribunal’s authority in the country.
The decision came after a formal request was submitted by the Prime Minister of the Libyan Government-designate, Osama Hammad, who contested the legitimacy of the outgoing Government of National Unity (GNU) under Abdel-Hamid Dbaiba to accept the ICC’s jurisdiction.
The court’s ruling was described as an urgent judicial writ with immediate enforceability, reinforcing Libya’s judicial sovereignty and raising questions over external interference in the country’s legal affairs.
This landmark ruling marks a significant moment in Libya’s legal and political trajectory, especially as tensions persist between rival governments in the east and west of the country.
Libya has long been a focus of the ICC due to war crimes allegations and ongoing conflict. However, the latest ruling may limit future cooperation with the court, potentially shielding Libyan figures from international prosecution.
The case signals growing efforts by the Libyan eastern authorities to assert full legal independence and contest actions taken by the Tripoli-based GNU. Legal experts expect the decision to trigger further debate within international legal and diplomatic circles.
