The Head of Libyan-American Alliance, Issam Omeish, has revealed that a decision had been issued by Virginia Federal Court, Judge Leonie Brinkema to refuse to continue hearing the cases filed against Khalifa Haftar.
In a statement on his official Facebook account, Omeish expressed his astonishment at this decision issued on Friday, describing it as surprising and unexpected.
According to Omeish, the judge refused the case considering that it does not fall under the scope of the Torture Victims’ Protection Act TVPA.
Omeish stressed that the sudden decision came against all previous confirmations in past sessions over more than 4 and a half years of the eligibility of this law in the trial of Khalifa Haftar.
Omeish also expressed his regret over the sudden change of the court’s decision, stressing that it will delay the alliance’s work in convicting war criminals and perpetrators of crimes against human rights in Libya, and it will lead to delay the in-person trial for several months after the scheduled appeal stage.
He added that he would submit through his lawyers a request for an appeal within 30 days.
