Libyan Official Detained in Germany for ICC War Crimes

The Hague, July 18 (AP) A Libyan facing charges of crimes against humanity and war crimes by the International Criminal Court (ICC) has been detained in Germany under a sealed arrest warrant, as announced by the court on Friday.

Khaled Mohamed Ali El Hishri, reportedly a high-ranking official at Tripoli's Miriga Prison where thousands were held, was arrested on Wednesday following an ICC warrant issued on July 10.

The ICC alleges that El Hishri committed, ordered, or supervised crimes against humanity and war crimes, including murder, torture, rape, and sexual violence, within Libya from February 2015 to early 2020.

El Hishri remains in German custody as proceedings to transfer him to The Hague are underway.

The ICC depends on countries to execute its warrants and expressed gratitude to German authorities for El Hishri's apprehension.

“I thank the national authorities for their strong and consistent cooperation with the Court, including leading to this recent arrest," stated ICC Registrar Osvaldo Zavala Giler.

In 2011, the United Nations Security Council prompted the ICC to investigate Libya amidst violence that eventually led to Moammar Gadhafi's downfall and the escalation into civil war.

An ICC warrant was issued for the long-serving Libyan leader, but he was killed by rebels before being captured.

The court currently has warrants for eight other Libyan suspects, including one of Gadhafi's sons.

Earlier this year, Libyan authorities recognized ICC jurisdiction over the country from 2011 until the end of 2027.

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