Libya: Ex-police chief detained for war crime accusations

On 5th November, Libya’s prosecutor office in Tripoli announced that they successfully detained an ex-police chief who was reportedly wanted by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for accusations of war crimes, as reported by Asharq Al Awsat.

Osama Almasri Najim was the former chief of Libya’s judicial police. He was arrested in Tripoli on suspicions of torturing prisoners and even killing a prisoner inadvertently through these torture methods. Earlier this year, Najim was arrested in Turin, Italy before being controversially released two days later and flown back to Tripoli. He has since been successfully detained on behalf of ICC-backed accusations of war crimes.

In an official statement from the Tripoli prosecutor’s office, they had reportedly gathered enough information concerning “human rights violations against inmates at Tripoli’s main prison, who reported being subjected to torture and cruel, degrading treatment.” Najim was questioned by investigators about abusing 10 detainees in his custody, one of whom reportedly died as a result of torture.

Given the close relations between Libya and Italy, Najim’s initial release in Turin prompted investigation into Italian officials such as Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni, although she was later cleared from any charges. When Najim returned to Libya, authorities were instructed by the United Nations mission in Libya (UNSMIL) to either arrest him and open an investigation into war crimes or to hand him over to the ICC.

Libya’s relationship with the ICC initially led to them rejecting the extradition request on Najim. Libya’s government is notably split between two rival administrations in the east and west, with the western-based Government of National Unity being backed by international bodies such as the UN. Despite this backing, their initial hesitancy to carry out the ICC’s requests regarding Najim has led to concerns about the government’s ability to abide by international humanitarian law and enact justice.

Najim’s arrest reflects another investigation from the ICC into atrocities being committed in Libya since 2011. The case has emphasised many current issues in Libya relating to the government’s past behaviours, as well as their relationship with nations such as Italy.

Asharq Al Awsat, Maghrebi.org, The Guardian