Latest news with #Najim
Libya Review
3 days ago
- Politics
- Libya Review
ICC Accuses Italy of Violating International Law Over Libyan Suspect
The International Criminal Court (ICC) has formally accused Italy of breaching its legal obligations by failing to hand over Libyan national Osama Najim, despite an active international arrest warrant. Deputy Prosecutor Nazhat Shameem Khan criticised the Italian government's decision to extradite Najim to the Libyan authorities rather than complying with the ICC's warrant. In a legal filing, Khan urged the court to declare Italy in 'formal non-compliance' and to refer the matter to either the Assembly of States Parties or the UN Security Council. According to the Italian newspaper Domani, Rome refused the ICC's request to arrest and surrender Najim. The ICC has argued that Italy favoured an 'unlawful' Libyan request and failed to inform the court in a timely manner, describing the incident as a 'dangerous precedent'. Najim was arrested on 19 January based on the ICC warrant, as reported by La Stampa. However, within days, he was transferred to Libyan custody, sparking outrage among international human rights organisations. Amnesty International responded by urging Italy to fulfil its legal duties. In a 21 January statement, the organisation emphasised that all countries party to the Rome Statute must comply with arrest and surrender obligations issued by the ICC. The case has triggered legal and diplomatic concerns, as Najim is wanted in connection with alleged serious crimes under international law. The exact charges remain sealed, but the court insists on his immediate surrender. The ICC's criticism of a European Union member state underscores growing concerns about the enforcement of international justice in politically sensitive cases. Libya's involvement, and Italy's cooperation with Libyan authorities, may now come under increased scrutiny from the international community.
Time of India
28-05-2025
- Time of India
Extortion demand leads to arson, firing at warehouse in Kotputli
1 2 3 Jaipur: A liquor warehouse in Kotputli turned into a scene of chaos late Tuesday night when a group of men allegedly demanded extortion money, set the facility on fire, and later returned to fire gunshots. An employee of the warehouse sustained burn injuries in the attack and was admitted to hospital for treatment. The incident took place at a warehouse near Gopalpura Road in Kotputli around midnight. According to police, 5-6 men arrived at the warehouse and demanded Rs 50,000 from an employee. When the staffer, identified as Ranglal, refused to pay, the group allegedly threatened to kill him. They then set the warehouse on fire. Caught in the blaze, Ranglal suffered burns to his face but managed to escape and save his life. The attackers fled the scene after the fire but returned about an hour later and fired two to three rounds outside the warehouse. Before leaving, they reportedly issued threats of serious consequences if the police were informed. Based on a complaint filed by the warehouse owner, police registered a case against the accused. "We have identified the criminals and detained a couple of them. A search is on for the others. Those identified include Najim, Dhanna, and their aides, who have a criminal background. They were trying to intimidate the liquor businessmen into paying extortion money," said a police officer.
Libya Observer
19-05-2025
- Politics
- Libya Observer
12 criminal charges, including murder and rape, await Najim at ICC
The International Criminal Court (ICC) on Sunday published the arrest warrant issued by its Prosecutor against Osama Najim, a senior official in Libya's Judicial Police, listing 12 charges including murder and rape that await him upon appearing before the court. Najim, who oversaw prisons in Tripoli where thousands were held for extended periods, is suspected of committing crimes against humanity and war crimes—among them intentional killings, torture, rape, and sexual violence—dating back to February 2015, according to the ICC's official website. The arrest warrant outlines the war crimes and crimes against humanity attributed to Najim under the Rome Statute, including: violations of personal dignity, cruel treatment, torture, rape and sexual violence, intentional homicide, unlawful imprisonment, persecution, among others. These crimes were allegedly committed at Mitiga Prison from February 15, 2015 onward. The ICC's Pre-Trial Chamber concluded that these crimes were committed by Najim personally, on his orders, or with assistance from members of the Special Deterrence Force (Radaa), officially known as the Deterrence Apparatus for Combating Organized Crime and Terrorism. In coordination with the Office of the Prosecutor and under the authority of the Pre-Trial Chamber, the ICC Registry submitted arrest requests to six State Parties, including Italy. The court also transmitted intelligence regarding Najim's suspected location and movements within the Schengen Area. Concurrently, it requested INTERPOL to issue a Red Notice, as per standard procedure. According to the ICC, Najim was located in Turin, Italy, in the early hours of Sunday, January 19. Italian authorities successfully arrested him and held him pending completion of national procedures related to his arrest and handover. The ICC declined to comment further at the time, respecting Italy's request for confidentiality. The court noted, however, that Najim was unexpectedly released and allowed to return to Libya on January 21. The ICC has since sought clarification from the Italian authorities regarding the reasons behind his release, reminding all State Parties of their obligation to fully cooperate with the court in its investigations and prosecutions.
Libya Review
18-05-2025
- Politics
- Libya Review
ICC Reveals 12 New Charges Against Wanted Libyan Official
On Sunday, the International Criminal Court (ICC) released new details outlining 12 charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity against Osama Najim, a former Libyan prison commander and senior official in the Judicial Police. Although an arrest warrant had already been issued in connection with his role in Libya's post-2011 conflict, the new publication clarifies the nature and scope of the alleged crimes committed under his authority. According to the ICC's updated findings, Najim is accused of orchestrating or directly committing acts of murder, rape, torture, unlawful imprisonment, persecution, and sexual violence, largely carried out at the notorious Mitiga Prison in Tripoli, where he oversaw operations for years. The Court states that detainees were held in inhumane conditions and were targeted based on their religious beliefs (such as Christianity or atheism), perceived violations of the ideological doctrine of the Special Deterrence Forces (Al-Radaa), or alleged affiliations with rival armed groups. Some were reportedly imprisoned for reasons as vague as 'immorality' or suspected homosexuality. The charges, based on the Rome Statute, name Najim as either directly responsible or as a superior who issued orders or provided support to those who carried out the abuses, many of whom were members of the Al-Radaa force. The ICC confirmed that it had submitted arrest requests to six countries, including Italy, where Najim was briefly detained in January 2024 in the city of Turin, before being unexpectedly released and allowed to return to Libya. The Court has since sought clarification from Italian authorities and requested INTERPOL to issue a red notice. Najim is one of eight Libyans still wanted by the ICC in connection with the Libya case, which was referred to the Court by the UN Security Council in 2011 under Resolution 1970. Others include Saif al-Islam Gaddafi and several former officials linked to detention centers and state violence.
Libya Review
16-05-2025
- Politics
- Libya Review
9 UNSC Members Demand Handover of Libyan Militiaman 'Osama Najim' to ICC
A group of nine member states of the United Nations Security Council issued a joint statement calling for the immediate arrest and surrender of Osama Najim, who is wanted by the International Criminal Court (ICC) over serious allegations related to abuses at Mitiga Prison in Tripoli, Libya. The statement—signed by Denmark, France, Greece, Ghana, Panama, the Republic of Korea, Sierra Leone, Slovenia, and the United Kingdom—emphasised that all states must comply with their obligations under the Rome Statute, including the arrest and transfer of individuals subject to ICC warrants. According to the statement, the arrest warrant for Najim is a landmark step in the ongoing investigation into crimes committed in Libyan detention centres. These include allegations of murder, torture, sexual violence, and unlawful detention. The countries stressed the importance of continued engagement between the ICC, victims, and civil society organisations, underlining the broader goal of justice and accountability. The signatories urged all parties to fully cooperate with the ICC and surrender individuals wanted by the Court, as part of the international effort to end impunity for serious crimes. In conclusion, the nine countries reaffirmed their strong support for the ICC as an independent judicial institution and rejected any attempts to undermine its integrity or exert pressure on its officials. They reiterated the need to uphold the rule of law, respect international law, and defend human rights. Libya has been in chaos since a NATO-backed uprising toppled longtime leader Muammar Gaddafi in 2011. The county has for years been split between rival administrations. Libya's economy, heavily reliant on oil, has suffered due to the ongoing conflict. The instability has led to fluctuations in oil production and prices, impacting the global oil market and Libya's economy. The conflict has led to a significant humanitarian crisis in Libya, with thousands of people killed, and many more displaced. Migrants and refugees using Libya as a transit point to Europe have also faced dire conditions. The planned elections for December 2021 were delayed due to disagreements over election laws and the eligibility of certain candidates. This delay has raised concerns about the feasibility of a peaceful political transition. Despite the ceasefire, security remains a significant concern with sporadic fighting and the presence of mercenaries and foreign fighters. The unification of the military and the removal of foreign forces are crucial challenges. Tags: GenevaicclibyaMitigaOsama NajimSecurity Counciltripoliun
