A Libyan national accused of committing atrocities at a notorious Tripoli prison appeared before the International Criminal Court (ICC) on Wednesday. Khaled Mohamed Ali El Hishri, 47, faces serious charges including crimes against humanity and war crimes.
El Hishri sat impassively as court officials read out the indictment. The charges detail acts of murder, rape, and torture allegedly committed under his command. During the session, he spoke only to confirm his identity and age. Later, he made a brief appeal to the judges for his freedom while the legal proceedings continue.
Request for Provisional Release
“Just requesting my release,” El Hishri stated when invited to speak.
Presiding Judge Iulia Motoc acknowledged the statement. She instructed his defense team to file a formal written request for provisional release to the court.
El Hishri arrived in the Netherlands on Monday. German authorities had arrested him in July 2025 on a sealed ICC warrant and held him until his transfer.
Horrific Allegations at Mitiga Prison
Prosecutors identify El Hishri as a former senior commander at the Mitiga prison complex in Tripoli. They allege that between 2015 and 2020, he ordered or oversaw a brutal campaign of abuse against detainees.
He faces a total of 12 counts: six for crimes against humanity and six for war crimes. The indictment accuses him of personally murdering one detainee. It also charges him with directing the murder, rape, and torture of others within the facility.
The court was not required to take a plea during this initial hearing.
A Historic Trial for Libya
This case marks a significant milestone. El Hishri is the first Libyan suspect to face trial at the ICC since the United Nations Security Council ordered an investigation into the country in 2011.
Judges have scheduled a confirmation of charges hearing for May 19, 2026. At that session, they will determine if the evidence is strong enough to proceed to a full trial.
Currently, the ICC maintains outstanding arrest warrants for nine other Libyan suspects. This list includes a son of the late dictator Moammar Gadhafi.
Armenian Dram
Ghana Cedi
Gambian Dalasi
Guinea Franc
Nigerian Naira
CFA Franc BEAC
