ICC Prosecutors: Libyan Suspect Al Hishri Oversaw Notorious Prison Torture
International Criminal Court Proceedings Against Al Hishri
Background of the Case
THE HAGUE, May 19 (Reuters) - A 47-year-old suspect accused of overseeing one of the most notorious prisons in Libya was known as a ruthless torturer nicknamed "the angel of death" by detainees, prosecutors told judges at the International Criminal Court on Tuesday.
Allegations Against Al Hishri
Role at Mitiga Prison
Prosecutors allege Al Hishri oversaw the women's wing in Mitiga, a detention centre run by the Special Deterrence Force - known as Rada in Libya. Thousands of victims were unlawfully arrested and kept without legal basis, held in inhumane conditions and systematically abused and tortured, according to prosecutors.
Pattern of Abuse and Torture
"Khaled (Mohamed Ali) Al Hishri was widely known as a notorious torturer at the helm of Mitiga prison," deputy prosecutor Nazhat Shameem Khan said at the start of three days of hearings set to determine the exact charges to be brought.
Prosecutors said Al Hishri personally abused and tortured inmates and raped them as part of a pattern of sexualised torture. They asked judges to confirm 17 counts of crimes against humanity and war crimes including murder, rape, persecution and enslavement dating from February 2015 until early 2020.
Legal Proceedings and Defense
Response from Defense Lawyers
Al Hishri has not yet entered a formal plea to the suggested charges, but lawyers acting for him have asked judges to reject the charges and they challenge the court's jurisdiction in this case, court documents show. He was arrested in Germany in July last year.
Potential Impact of the Case
If judges confirm the charges, Al Hishri's case could become the first trial at the ICC focused on Libya.
Context of ICC Investigations in Libya
History of ICC Involvement
The ICC has been looking into alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity in Libya since the case was referred to the court by the U.N. Security Council in 2011.
Other Related Cases
In January 2025 Italy briefly arrested another ICC suspect also linked to the Mitiga prison, but he was released and returned to Libya, sparking condemnation.
Reporting Credits
(Reporting by Stephanie van den Berg; Editing by Alexandra Hudson)
