The International Criminal Court (ICC) has renewed its demand for Libya to surrender Osama Najem, the head of the country’s Judicial Police Authority, over alleged crimes committed against Libyan civilians and migrants.
In a briefing to the UN Security Council, ICC Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan called on Libya’s Attorney General, Al-Siddiq Al-Sour, to take immediate action to detain Najem. He urged the Libyan authorities to cooperate fully with the Court and ensure Najem is brought to justice in The Hague.
Khan welcomed the decision by Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibeh to remove Najem from his post, describing the move as “an important step” toward accountability.
He also confirmed that an international order had been issued to freeze Najem’s assets, valued at approximately £12 million. The ICC has sought the support of the UK’s National Crime Agency to enforce the measure.
The Prosecutor expressed disappointment with Italian authorities for repatriating Najem to Libya earlier this year. He had been detained in Italy in response to an ICC request, but was released and flown back to Tripoli in late January. Italy’s Interior Minister, Matteo Piantedosi, defended the move, citing national security concerns.
Najem is accused of multiple crimes between February and October 2024, including murder, torture, rape, and sexual violence against detainees and migrants held in Libyan facilities.
