Human Rights Watch (HRW) has called on Libyan authorities to surrender eight Libyan nationals wanted by the International Criminal Court (ICC), including former head of operations at the Judicial Police Authority Osama Al-Masri Najim, saying Libya is legally obligated to cooperate under a United Nations Security Council resolution issued in 2011.
In a report released Wednesday, the organization stated that Najim, a prominent member of the Special Deterrence Force (RADA), faces accusations of committing crimes against humanity and war crimes, including murder, torture, and rape at Mitiga Prison since 2015.
According to the report, Libyan authorities arrested Najim in Tripoli in November, but his current whereabouts remain unknown and no public steps have been taken toward his transfer to the ICC.
Calls for Cooperation with the International Criminal Court
Hanan Salah, associate director for the Middle East and North Africa at Human Rights Watch, said Najim’s arrest presents an opportunity for Libyan authorities to demonstrate their commitment to justice by cooperating with the ICC.
She added that continued reports of abuses in Libyan detention facilities highlight weaknesses within domestic judicial institutions and their inability to effectively address serious crimes.
Human Rights Watch stressed that although Libya is not a member of the ICC, it remains legally bound to cooperate with the court following the UN Security Council referral of the Libyan situation in 2011.
Libya’s Acceptance of ICC Jurisdiction
The organization also noted that Libya accepted the court’s jurisdiction in May of last year regarding crimes committed on Libyan territory or by Libyan nationals until the end of 2027.
Under international legal procedures, only ICC judges have the authority to assess any legal challenge submitted by Libyan authorities regarding the admissibility of cases.
Italy’s Previous Arrest and Return of the Suspect
The report also pointed out that Italian authorities arrested Najim in Turin in early 2025, but later returned him to Libya instead of transferring him to the International Criminal Court.
Human Rights Watch described this decision as a missed opportunity for justice.
Outstanding ICC Arrest Warrants
According to the report, the ICC has issued 14 arrest warrants since 2011 for individuals accused of committing crimes during the February 17 revolution and its aftermath.
However, none of the suspects has yet appeared before the court.
Human Rights Watch called for the immediate surrender of the remaining suspects, including military officers and fighters accused of war crimes.
Concerns Over Detention Conditions in Libya
The organization also criticized conditions in migrant detention centers and prisons across Libya, describing them as inhumane.
Human Rights Watch argued that Libya’s judicial system currently lacks the capacity to conduct credible investigations into serious international crimes, urging the United Nations Security Council and member states to increase pressure on Libyan authorities to fully cooperate with the International Criminal Court.
