Libya’s representative to the International Criminal Court, Ahmed Al-Jahani, reported that 4 of those wanted by the recent arrest warrants issued by the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court, Karim Khan, are in Libya and two are in Egypt.
Al-Jahani added in a statement to Al-Ahrar that the investigation of the four defendants by the Public Prosecutor is still ongoing.
Al-Jahani said that the Libyan Public Prosecutor is dealing with his Egyptian counterpart to bring the accused and try them in Libya according to a previous agreement between the two countries.
He stated that the defendants are under surveillance in Egypt, and their passports have been seized to ensure that they do not escape.
Al-Jahani added that the arrest warrant for Saif al-Islam is pending because it has not been canceled or implemented, explaining that there is no way to arrest Saif al-Islam in the absence of information about his whereabouts.
On October 4, the International Criminal Court revealed that it had issued 6 international arrest warrants for crimes committed in Tarhuna during the Kani militia’s control over it.
Those wanted for the crimes are: (Abdul Rahim Al-Kani, Makhlouf Douma, Muhammad Al-Salihin, Nasser Muftah Daou, Fathi Al-Zankal, Abd Al-Bari Al-Shaqaqi)
According to the procedural history of the decision, four warrants were issued on April 6, 2023, while the other two orders were issued against the fifth and sixth on July 28 of the same year.
On September 4, 2024, the Public Prosecution Office, in consultation with the Victims and Witnesses Unit, requested the Department to disclose the arrest warrants and issue public transcripts of them.
The court stated that Pre-Trial Chamber I issued this decision approving the prosecution’s request to lift the confidentiality of the arrest warrants.
It is noteworthy that the discovery of mass graves in the city of Tarhuna began in June 2020, coinciding with the withdrawal of the “Kani” militia from the city.
Source: Libya Al-Ahrar
What are the implications of the ICC arrest warrants for individuals in Libya?
Interview between Time.news Editor and Legal Expert on ICC Arrest Warrants Related to Libya
Editor: Welcome to Time.news! Today, we have the privilege of speaking with legal expert Dr. Farah El-Sayed, who specializes in international criminal law and has considerable insight into ongoing developments in Libya. Dr. El-Sayed, thank you for joining us.
Dr. El-Sayed: Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to discuss such a significant topic.
Editor: Let’s dive right in. Recently, Libya’s representative to the International Criminal Court, Ahmed Al-Jahani, stated that four individuals wanted by the International Criminal Court (ICC) are currently in Libya, while two are in Egypt. Can you provide context on the implications of these developments?
Dr. El-Sayed: Certainly. The arrest warrants issued by ICC Prosecutor Karim Khan indicate serious charges, which typically revolve around war crimes or crimes against humanity. The fact that some of these individuals are in Libya means that there is a possibility for local authorities to initiate legal proceedings, assuming the legal basis and evidence are sound.
Editor: And with the ongoing investigation by the Libyan Public Prosecutor, what are the next steps in this process?
Dr. El-Sayed: The Public Prosecutor’s investigation is crucial. It will determine if there is sufficient evidence to pursue charges. If they find credible evidence against the defendants, they could either proceed with a national trial or cooperate with the ICC, especially since there’s a previous agreement between Libya and Egypt regarding extradition.
Editor: Speaking of cooperation, Al-Jahani mentioned that the Libyan Public Prosecutor is collaborating with his Egyptian counterpart to facilitate the return of the suspects from Egypt to Libya. How important is this type of international cooperation in such cases?
Dr. El-Sayed: It’s extremely important. International criminal law relies heavily on cooperation among states. In this case, Egypt’s willingness to cooperate and ensure the suspects remain under surveillance is a positive step. It demonstrates regional commitment to addressing crimes and could set a precedent for future collaboration in similar cases.
Editor: You mentioned that the suspects’ passports have been seized. What impact does that have on their potential extradition processes?
Dr. El-Sayed: Seizing passports is a critical measure to prevent flight risk. It ensures that the individuals remain accessible for legal proceedings. This also signals their status as wanted individuals to both local and international communities, and reinforces the obligations of states under international law to comply with ICC requests.
Editor: There is a lot of potential for this situation to evolve. What do you foresee as the next major development in these proceedings?
Dr. El-Sayed: It will depend on how quickly the investigations are concluded and how effectively the Libyan authorities can navigate the complexities of international law. A swift and transparent process could enhance Libya’s credibility on the global stage. If successful, it may lead to more comprehensive efforts in addressing impunity within the region.
Editor: Lastly, what message does this situation send to other countries grappling with the ICC and local accountability for serious crimes?
Dr. El-Sayed: This situation highlights the importance of accountability. It sends a strong message that no one is above the law, regardless of their status. Other nations should take note—effective cooperation and legal action against serious crimes can lead to healing and justice for victims.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. El-Sayed, for your insights on this critical issue. We look forward to seeing how this situation unfolds and appreciate your expert perspective.
Dr. El-Sayed: Thank you! It’s been great discussing these important issues, and I hope for a just resolution for all involved.
Editor: And thank you to our audience for tuning in. Stay informed with Time.news as we continue to cover timely developments in international law and human rights.