The International Criminal Court (ICC) has unsealed arrest warrants for six men allegedly linked to a Libyan militia responsible for multiple killings in Tarhunah. The town saw the discovery of mass graves in 2020. Since the death of Moammar Gadhafi in 2011, Libya has been in political turmoil with rival administrations in the east and west, backed by militias and foreign governments. ICC Prosecutor Karim Khan stated that evidence indicates war crimes, including murder, torture, and sexual violence, were committed against residents of Tarhunah.
The warrants were issued for six men, three of whom were leaders or senior members of the Al Kaniyat militia, with the other three being Libyan security officials associated with the militia at the time of the alleged crimes. The warrants were initially issued in 2023 but were kept under seal until now. Khan emphasized the importance of arresting and surrendering the suspects to face the charges in court.
The ICC does not have its own police force, relying on cooperation from member states to enforce arrest warrants. Khan expressed a desire to work closely with Libyan authorities to ensure the suspects face justice. The ICC began its investigation in Libya in 2011 but former dictator Gadhafi, who was also wanted by the court, was killed before he could be apprehended. The discovery of mass graves in Tarhunah has highlighted the need for accountability and justice in Libya’s ongoing political conflict.
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