The International Criminal Court (ICC) prosecutor has called on Libya and other nations to assist in the arrest of six men allegedly connected to a brutal militia responsible for multiple killings and other crimes in the town of Tarhuna. The militia, known as Al Kaniyat, controlled Tarhuna until June 2020 when government forces ousted them from the strategically important western town located southeast of Tripoli.
The ICC, lacking its own police force, relies on cooperation from its 124 member states to enforce arrest warrants. The six men, including key members of Al Kaniyat and Libyan security officials associated with the militia, have been identified and arrest warrants have been issued.
During a briefing to the U.N. Security Council, the ICC prosecutor emphasized the importance of justice and accountability for the victims in Tarhuna. He recounted meeting with victims who shared their harrowing experiences of torture and loss, highlighting the urgent need for trials and fair processes.
Despite the challenges, the victims remain resolute in their pursuit of justice, signaling a shift towards concrete actions rather than mere discussions. The prosecutor expressed optimism that progress is being made towards holding the perpetrators accountable.
Following the discovery of mass graves in Tarhuna, the victims have welcomed the ICC's arrest warrants but are calling for international assistance in ensuring the apprehension of the accused individuals. The prosecutor affirmed that the whereabouts of the suspects are known, underscoring the need for collaborative efforts to facilitate their arrests.
Libya has been embroiled in turmoil since the overthrow of Moammar Gadhafi in 2011, leading to a fractured political landscape with competing factions and armed groups vying for control. The atrocities committed by the Al Kaniyat militia in Tarhuna serve as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges facing the country.
