ICC confirmation of 17 charges against El-Hishri draws praise from rights groups

Human rights organisations and migrant rights advocates have welcomed the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) decision to confirm all 17 charges against Osama El-Hishri, describing it as a landmark step towards justice for victims of abuses committed at Libya’s notorious Mitiga Prison.

The ICC’s confirmation of the charges clears the way for El-Hishri to stand trial over allegations linked to murder, torture, sexual violence and other crimes allegedly committed against detainees at the prison in Tripoli.

Reacting to the decision, migrant distress network Alarm Phone described the ruling as “historic” for survivors of crimes committed at Mitiga Prison.

“The International Criminal Court confirmed all 17 charges against El-Hishri. This is a historic decision for survivors of crimes committed at Mitiga prison in Libya,” the organisation said in a statement posted on X.

Alarm Phone also echoed calls by refugee advocacy group Refugees in Libya, saying the prosecution should mark the beginning of broader efforts to hold perpetrators of abuses in Libya accountable.

Similarly, Sea-Watch International hailed the ICC’s decision, noting that the confirmation means the case will now proceed to trial.

The organisation alleged that El-Hishri was a senior member of Libya’s Special Deterrence Force (SDF/RADA) militia and headed parts of Mitiga Prison, where migrants and refugees were subjected to severe human rights violations.

“The ICC confirmed all 17 charges against El-Hishri today. The case is going to trial,” Sea-Watch International said.

It added that people on the move detained at Mitiga Prison had been subjected to murder, torture and sexual violence, describing the prosecution as an important step in addressing longstanding impunity for abuses against migrants in Libya.

Activist Yousef Ismail also welcomed the court’s decision, saying it represented the kind of justice victims had long demanded.

“This is the real number; this is the truth we seek. We always speak of justice and respect for human rights. The International Criminal Court has fairly proven 17 charges against the so-called ‘Hashri,’ the rapist and the gatekeeper of Mitiga,” he wrote on X.

The ICC’s decision has been widely viewed by rights advocates as a significant milestone in efforts to secure accountability for crimes allegedly committed against migrants and refugees held in Libya’s detention system.

Campaigners, however, stressed that the prosecution of El-Hishri should not be the end of international efforts, urging authorities to investigate other individuals allegedly responsible for serious human rights violations in Libya’s detention facilities.