UNITED NATIONS — During a session on Tuesday, the prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC) called upon Libya and other nations to assist in the capture of six individuals connected to a notorious militia responsible for numerous violent acts in the strategically significant western town of Tarhuna, where mass graves were uncovered in 2020.
Karim Khan addressed the U.N. Security Council, expressing his willingness to collaborate with both the Libyan government and the broader international community, including countries that are not members of the ICC, to facilitate these arrests.
The ICC, which lacks its own police force, relies on the cooperation of its 124 member countries to enact its arrest warrants.
The six detainees are believed to be either high-ranking members or affiliates of the Al Kaniyat militia, which held control over Tarhuna from 2015 until June 2020, when they were removed by government forces. Tarhuna is situated approximately 65 kilometers (40 miles) southeast of Tripoli, Libya’s capital.
Delivering his briefing via video from Libya, Khan shared that he had earlier met with victims from Tarhuna who recounted their traumatic experiences. He mentioned having visited locations where individuals were torture and killed, with one survivor noting, “every household in Tarhuna has a victim.” Khan emphasized the victims’ resilience, stating that they demonstrate a strong commitment to seeking justice and accountability for themselves, their families, and their community.
According to Khan, the hope for justice is renewed through the victims’ determination. Their resolve suggests a shift from mere discussions to tangible actions that could lead to accountability.
In early October, the ICC issued arrest warrants for the six men: Abdelrahim al-Kani, Makhlouf Douma, Nasser al-Lahsa, Mohammed Salheen, Abdelbari al-Shaqaqi, and Fathi al-Zinkal. Khan noted that three of these men are leaders or senior affiliates of the Al Kaniyat militia, while the other three served as Libyan security officials connected with the militia during the time of the alleged crimes.
Khan stated, “We know where they are,” emphasizing the need for international support to secure their arrests. He highlighted the desire of victims to be part of any ensuing trials, where they could present their testimonies.
Libya has been in turmoil following the 2011 NATO-supported uprising that led to the downfall and death of longtime leader Moammar Gadhafi. The nation remains divided, with competing governments in the east and west, each supported by various militias and foreign interests.
The mass graves discovered in Tarhuna emerged after the withdrawal of the Al Kaniyat militia, coinciding with the end of a 14-month offensive led by military commander Khalifa Hifter, who continues to wield significant influence in eastern Libya while trying to gain control over Tripoli from a coalition of militias aligned with the previously recognized government.