The International Criminal Court (ICC) has confirmed all charges against Libyan national Khaled Mohamed Ali El Hishri, clearing the way for his trial on allegations of crimes against humanity and war crimes committed in Libya.
In a unanimous decision issued on 16 July, ICC Pre-Trial Chamber I ruled that there are substantial grounds to believe El Hishri bears responsibility for 17 counts of crimes against humanity and war crimes allegedly committed in Tripoli between 1 May 2014 and 30 June 2020.
The confirmed charges include torture, cruel treatment, imprisonment, outrages upon personal dignity, rape, attempted rape, other forms of sexual violence, murder, attempted murder, enslavement, and persecution.
According to the court, the alleged crimes were committed against thousands of people held for prolonged periods at Mitiga Prison and within the wider Mitiga Compound while the Special Deterrence Force (SDF/RADA) operated the detention facility.
Judges found sufficient evidence to believe El Hishri acted as a direct, indirect and co-perpetrator alongside other members of the armed group. Prosecutors also allege that he exercised authority over the section of Mitiga Prison where women and young children were detained and made an essential contribution to a common criminal plan that resulted in the alleged offences.
The decision followed a confirmation of charges hearing held between 19 and 21 May 2026, during which prosecutors, defence lawyers and legal representatives of victims presented evidence and arguments. The Chamber also recognised the contribution of 63 witnesses, including 47 former detainees, whose statements formed part of the evidence.
The case will now be transferred to an ICC Trial Chamber, which will determine the timetable for the proceedings. The court stressed that El Hishri will receive a fair and impartial trial, with the defence granted adequate time to prepare its case while respecting the rights of victims.
Although neither the prosecution nor the defence has an automatic right to appeal the ruling, both parties may request permission from the Pre-Trial Chamber to challenge the decision. The ICC said the next procedural steps will be determined once the Trial Chamber formally assumes responsibility for the case.
