Libya - May 2026

From 19 to 21 May, the International Criminal Court (ICC) held a confirmation of charges hearing in the case of Khaled Mohamed Ali El Hishri, marking a significant step in accountability efforts related to the war in Libya. El Hishri is the first suspect to appear before the ICC in connection with the Libya situation since the Court opened its investigation in 2011. A former senior official of Libya's Special Deterrence Force (RADA), he faces 17 counts of war crimes and crimes against humanity allegedly committed at the Mitiga Prison in Tripoli between 2014 and 2020, including torture, murder, rape, sexual violence, unlawful imprisonment, enslavement and persecution. Following the hearing, the ICC's Pre-Trial Chamber has up to 60 days to confirm the charges or request additional evidence.

Update: On 16 July, the Pre-Trial Chamber unanimously confirmed all charges, paving the way for the commencement of the trial.

Sources: International Criminal Court, The Guardian, Human Rights Watch (1), Human Rights Watch (2), Reuters