Germany has apprehended Khaled Mohamed Ali El Hishri, a Libyan militia leader, based on an International Criminal Court (ICC) warrant. He is accused of heinous crimes against humanity and war crimes. This arrest marks a significant step in the pursuit of justice for victims of the Libyan conflict.
- Who: Khaled Mohamed Ali El Hishri, a Libyan militia leader
- What: Arrested on an ICC warrant for war crimes and crimes against humanity
- Where: Berlin Airport, Germany
- When: Wednesday (Reported July 18, 2025)
- Why: Allegedly oversaw torture, murder, rape, and sexual violence at Mitiga prison
Details of the Arrest
Khaled Mohamed Ali El Hishri, 46, was taken into custody at Berlin Airport as he attempted to board a flight to Tunis. The arrest was executed based on an ICC warrant issued on July 10. El Hishri is alleged to have been a senior official at the infamous Mitiga prison near Tripoli.
Allegations Against El Hishri
The ICC accuses El Hishri of committing, ordering, or overseeing severe crimes between February 2015 and early 2020. These crimes include:
- Murder
- Torture
- Rape
- Sexual violence
International Reaction
ICC Registrar Osvaldo Zavala Giler expressed gratitude to Germany for their cooperation, emphasizing that such actions are crucial for proceedings to advance and for victims to receive justice. This arrest highlights the importance of international cooperation in prosecuting war crimes.
Libya’s Ongoing Turmoil
Libya has been struggling with political chaos and armed conflict since the 2011 NATO-backed uprising that ousted Muammar Gaddafi. The country remains divided between two rival administrations: one recognized by the United Nations in Tripoli and another in the east controlled by the Haftar family.
The Mitiga Prison: A Notorious Detention Center
Mitiga prison has been a focal point of human rights concerns. Investigators have reported widespread abuses against detainees, including irregular migrants, held in overcrowded and unsanitary conditions. The prison’s reputation underscores the urgent need for accountability and reform within Libya’s detention system.
Previous Controversies
Earlier in the year, Italy faced criticism for releasing another Libyan war crimes suspect, Osama Almasri Najim, who was also implicated in the operations of Mitiga prison. Najim was arrested in Turin but quickly released and flown back to Tripoli. The Italian Justice Minister defended the decision by citing issues with the ICC warrant.
ICC’s Authority in Libya
Despite Libya not being a party to the Rome Statute (the ICC’s founding treaty), ICC Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan stated that the Tripoli-based Government of National Unity has accepted the court’s authority to investigate alleged war crimes. Khan has also urged Libya’s prosecutor general to arrest Najim and surrender him to the ICC.
Looking Ahead
The arrest of El Hishri is a crucial step toward justice. It remains to be seen how this will impact the ongoing investigations and the broader pursuit of accountability for war crimes in Libya.