The International Criminal Court (ICC) concluded the confirmation of charges hearing against Khaled Mohamed Ali El Hishri, marking a major development in one of the most significant Libya-related cases before the court.
The hearing, held over three days before Pre-Trial Chamber I in The Hague, focused on determining whether prosecutors presented sufficient evidence to move the case to a full trial. Judges heard arguments from the prosecution, defense lawyers, and legal representatives of victims regarding allegations linked to crimes committed at Mitiga Prison in Tripoli between May 2014 and June 2020.
According to the ICC, the judges will now begin deliberations and are expected to issue a written decision within 60 days following the end of the proceedings.
The court explained that the judges have three possible options. They may confirm all or part of the charges and transfer the case to a Trial Chamber for full proceedings, reject the charges because of insufficient evidence and terminate the case, or request additional evidence and investigations before making a final decision.
El Hishri faces 17 charges related to war crimes and crimes against humanity, including torture, arbitrary detention, cruel treatment, murder, attempted murder, sexual violence, enslavement, persecution, and attacks against the dignity of detainees held inside Mitiga Prison.
The ICC emphasized that the confirmation of charges hearing is not a trial and does not determine guilt or innocence. Instead, the process is intended to evaluate whether prosecutors have established substantial grounds to support the accusations.
El Hishri previously held a senior position at Mitiga Prison and was arrested by German authorities in July 2025 under an ICC warrant before being transferred to The Hague later that year.
The defense team additionally submitted a legal challenge questioning the ICC’s jurisdiction under Article 19 of the Rome Statute. Judges are expected to review the jurisdictional challenge separately following additional legal submissions.
