Human Rights Watch has formally urged Libya’s Attorney General Al-Siddiq Al-Sour to disclose full details regarding the reported arrest of Osama Najim, the former head of operations at Libya’s Judicial Police, and to clarify the legal steps taken in response to arrest warrants issued by the International Criminal Court.
In a letter sent Tuesday, the organization welcomed the Public Prosecution’s stated commitment to pursuing accountability for serious international crimes in Libya, describing it as a positive development.
However, it requested transparency regarding the charges brought against Najim, the location of his detention, the authority responsible for managing the detention facility, and whether Libyan authorities have officially communicated with the ICC following his reported arrest.
Human Rights Watch also sought clarification on whether Libya has taken measures to cooperate fully with the ICC, including executing outstanding arrest warrants for individuals wanted by the court. The organization further inquired whether domestic prosecutors had initiated procedures concerning other suspects named in ICC proceedings.
Najim has been accused by the ICC of committing war crimes and crimes against humanity at Mitiga Prison, including murder, torture, rape, and other forms of sexual violence against detainees and migrants.
Last July, Libya’s Government of National Unity rejected Najim’s surrender to the ICC, arguing that the court had not provided sufficient evidence and maintaining that Libya’s national judiciary is capable of handling such cases internally.
In November, ICC Deputy Prosecutor Nazhat Shameem Khan told the UN Security Council that efforts would continue to ensure Najim’s arrest and transfer to The Hague. She emphasized that individuals accused of grave violations cannot evade justice and confirmed that reports of his possible detention in Libya were being verified in coordination with Libyan authorities.
