The International Criminal Court (ICC) has set May 19, 2026, as the date to begin the confirmation of charges hearing against Khaled Mohamed Ali Al-Hishri, who is accused of committing war crimes and crimes against humanity in Libya.
The hearing will take place over three days, from May 19 to May 21, before Pre-Trial Chamber I. During the proceedings, prosecutors, defense lawyers, and legal representatives of victims will present their arguments and evidence to determine whether the case should proceed to trial.
The confirmation hearing is a critical stage in the ICC process. Judges will assess whether there are substantial grounds to believe that the accused committed the alleged crimes. If one or more charges are confirmed, the case will move to the trial phase, where evidence will be examined in full.
Al-Hishri faces 17 charges related to serious violations of international law. These include unlawful imprisonment, torture, cruel treatment, outrages upon personal dignity, and other inhumane acts. The charges also involve allegations of murder, attempted murder, enslavement, persecution, rape, and other forms of sexual violence.
According to the prosecution, the alleged crimes were primarily committed at Mitiga detention facility between May 2014 and June 2020. During this period, thousands of detainees were reportedly held under harsh conditions, with claims of systematic abuse and severe human rights violations.
Al-Hishri previously held a senior role at the detention facility. He was arrested in Germany on July 16, 2025, following an ICC arrest warrant issued days earlier. He was transferred to ICC custody on December 1, 2025, and made his first court appearance shortly afterward.
