ICC confirms arrest warrant for freed Libya police chief
The International Criminal Court (ICC) has confirmed that it issued an arrest warrant for Osama Almasri Najim, the head of Libya’s judicial police, on charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity.
This comes a day after Italy released him.
Najim was arrested in Turin, Italy, on February 23 after a tip-off from Interpol. But on February 25, he was reportedly freed and sent back to Libya without the ICC being informed.
The ICC says Najim is wanted for crimes committed at Tripoli’s Mitiga detention centre since 2015.
He faces charges of murder, rape, sexual violence, and torture.
The victims were reportedly targeted because of their religion, alleged immoral behaviour, or links to rival armed groups.
The ICC issued the arrest warrant on January 18, 2025. However, with Najim now back in Libya, it remains unclear whether he will face justice.
