Source: United Nations (video statements)
Nazhat Shameem Khan, Deputy Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC) said, “those responsible for inflicting suffering in Libya are mistaken if they believe they are still outside the reach of justice.”
Addressing the Security Council Nazhat Shameem Khan said, “Through our collective work, there is a new momentum towards justice in Libya, and we now look towards the first trial to be held at the Court in this situation. Based on the progress we now see, I firmly believe there is an opportunity for us to show a collective success based on the partnership between Libya, this Council and the ICC.”
She also said, “Through the arrest of Khaled Mohamed Ali El Hishri by German authorities on 16 July, on the basis of a warrant issued by Pre-Trial Chamber I of the ICC, we see a clear example of the momentum we are building. The Office of the Prosecutor alleges that Mr. El Hishri is responsible for war crimes and crimes against humanity committed in Mitiga Prison from February 2015 to at least early 2020.”
She continued, “Through the imminent transfer of Mr. El Hishri to the ICC, based on the mandate provided by this Council, and through the first pre-trial and subsequently trial proceedings before the Court in the situation in Libya, we send a clear message: those responsible for inflicting suffering in Libya are mistaken if they believe they are still outside the reach of justice. ”
She added, “Our Office also remains clearly focused on securing the arrest and transfer of Mr. Osama Elmasry Njeem for trial at the ICC for the war crimes and crimes against humanity we allege he has committed in Mitiga prison. These alleged crimes also include murder, torture, rape and sexual violence. We have received reports in recent weeks of his possible arrest in Libya and are seeking confirmation of this from the Office of the Attorney General.”
She also said, “And we are also continuing steps, together with our Registry colleagues, to ensure the effective tracking and arrest of Mr. Saif Suleiman Sneidel, in relation to whom Pre-Trial Chamber I unsealed an ICC arrest warrant on 8 August.”