UNSMIL said it is alarmed by the gravity of the crimes listed in the ICC arrest warrant against Osama Elmasry Njeem which include crimes against humanity and war crimes, including murder, torture, rape, and sexual violence.
”As the accused was sent back to Libya, we call on Libyan authorities to arrest him and initiate an investigation into these crimes with a view to ensuring full accountability, or to transfer him to the ICC, consistent with the Security Council referral of the Libyan situation to the ICC.”
The arrest and release of Njeem in Italy
The statement by UNSMIL comes on the back of the arrest in Naples by the Italian authorities of Njeem on 19 January in respond to an arrest warrant issued by the ICC. However, the Italian authorities not only released Njeem on 21 January – without prior notice or consultation with the ICC – but arranged for him to fly back home to Tripoli.
The ICC said Njeem is alleged to have overseen Tripoli’s Mitiga Prison facilities, where thousands of persons were detained for prolonged periods, is suspected of crimes against humanity and war crimes, including murder, torture, rape and sexual violence, allegedly committed from February 2015 onwards.
