In advance of the upcoming semi-annual briefing by the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC), Karim Khan, to the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) on May 15, 2025, regarding developments in the Libya file, Libya Crimes Watch (LCW) urges urgent action to ensure accountability for gross violations of human rights and international law, particularly in relation to the case of Osama Najim and the systematic violations committed by the Stability Support Apparatus (SSA).
LCW has followed with deep concern the rapidly deteriorating security situation in Tripoli, which on May 12, 2025, led to the death of Abdelghani Al-Kikli (“Ghaniwa”), head of the SSA and a prominent armed group leader in the capital, who has been accused of committing serious human rights violations that could amount to international crimes. The following day, armed groups affiliated with the Ministries of Defence and Interior of the Government of National Unity (GNU) seized several SSA facilities, including unofficial prisons, and videos surfaced documenting the release of detainees.
On May 13, 2025, less than 24 hours after Al-Kikli’s death, the Prime Minister of the GNU issued a series of decisions, including the dissolution and merger of several security agencies. Among these was the dissolution of the “Security Operations and Judicial Security Administration,” which was headed by Osama Najim, who is wanted by the ICC under a warrant for war crimes and crimes against humanity, including torture, arbitrary detention, and enforced disappearances.
These developments come less than four months after Najim’s arrest by Italian authorities in Turin on January 19, 2025, under the execution of an arrest warrant. However, he was unexpectedly released on January 21, 2025, following a formal request from the Libyan Attorney General. This release constitutes a grave violation of Libya’s international obligations and undermines the principle of accountability, reflecting the Libyan authorities’ continued failure to cooperate with the ICC and their deliberate obstruction of international justice efforts.
- LCW affirms that the decision to dissolve the agency once headed by Osama Najim, who is wanted by the ICC, does not absolve the Libyan authorities of their legal responsibilities. The serious crimes and violations committed by the SSA cannot be expunged through the dissolution of the agency or the death of its leaders. The responsibility to investigate these violations and hold those responsible accountable remains, and it is legally binding.
- LCW calls on the authorities in Libya, including the GNU, the Presidential Council, and the Libyan Attorney General, to activate the cooperation mechanism with the ICC, announced last November. LCW also demands the immediate surrender of Osama Najim, in compliance with the ICC’s arrest warrant, and the transfer of all individuals wanted by the ICC to ensure their accountability and to prevent impunity.
- LCW urges the ICC OTP to reassess the application of the “complementarity” principle with Libyan judicial authorities, given the ongoing failures that facilitate impunity. This demonstrates that Libya’s judiciary is neither independent, nor willing, nor able to conduct fair trials according to international standards.
- LCW calls on the ICC OTP to continue investigations into crimes within the Court’s jurisdiction that have occurred in Libya, especially those attributed to entities such as the SSA, and to issue additional arrest warrants for those involved in war crimes and crimes against humanity. LCW further emphasizes that the investigation should not be closed at the end of 2025.
- LCW urges States Parties to the Rome Statute to support the ICC’s efforts in Libya by providing the necessary financial and technical resources and by pressuring the authorities in both Eastern and Western Libya to fulfill their legal and international obligations.
- LCW also calls on the UNSC to support the work of the ICC regarding Libya by strengthening international accountability mechanisms and ensuring that accountability is integrated into the political resolution process. This will ensure victims’ rights are upheld and bring an end to impunity.
LCW affirms that impunity is one of the root causes of the ongoing violations in Libya, and that international justice must remain an active and effective avenue for protecting victims’ rights, promoting the rule of law, and achieving sustainable stability in the country.
