ICC Confirms War Crimes Charges Against Libyan Prison Chief

A panel of judges at the International Criminal Court has unanimously confirmed war crimes and crimes against humanity charges against a former Libyan prison official, clearing the way for the court's first trial focused on atrocities in Libya. The decision on July 16, 2026, marks a milestone in an investigation launched 15 years ago.

The judges found substantial grounds to believe that Khaled Mohamed Ali El Hishri, 48, is responsible for 17 counts of crimes allegedly committed against detainees at Mitiga Prison in Tripoli between 2014 and 2020. The charges include murder, torture, assault, sexual violence, enslavement, and persecution. The ruling followed a three-day confirmation of charges hearing held in May.

Prosecutors allege El Hishri served as a senior commander at the prison, which was controlled by the Special Deterrence Force, known as RADA, and oversaw the section holding women and young children. They contend he was a prime instigator of violence, with witnesses stating his brutality earned him the nickname "the Angel of Death." The judges determined the abuse was not isolated but part of an organized and institutionalized system that exercised powers of ownership...