Mohamed Al-Menfi, Head of Libya’s Presidential Council, announced that Libya has submitted a formal request to the Office of the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC) seeking technical and legal support for ongoing investigations into a cell accused of targeting vital civilian facilities in Tripoli and Zawiya.
In a statement, Al-Menfi said the request was submitted through official diplomatic channels via the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation—in coordination with the Ministry of Defence—pursuant to the declaration submitted by Libya under Article 312 of the Rome Statute.
"Extensive terrorist plot"
He explained that the request aims to enhance cooperation with Libyan authorities regarding investigations and the sharing of responsibilities, thereby helping to uncover the circumstances of the incidents and prosecute those responsible. He noted that preliminary investigations revealed the targeting of civilian facilities as part of what he described as an "extensive terrorist plot" intended to damage infrastructure and endanger civilian lives.
Crimes may fall within jurisdiction of the ICC
Al-Menfi indicated that security agencies and the National Safety Authority had succeeded in curbing these operations and thwarting some of them. He added that competent Libyan authorities are assessing the nature, gravity, and surrounding circumstances of the crimes committed, noting that they may amount to crimes falling within the subject-matter jurisdiction of the ICC.
Upholding impartiality & transparency of investigations - bolstering credibility of findings
He pointed out the presence of foreign nationals—holding the citizenship of states that are parties to the Rome Statute—among the accused, alongside Libyans holding other nationalities and passports, emphasizing the importance of upholding the impartiality and transparency of the investigations and bolstering the credibility of their findings.
He further stated that Libya has expressed its readiness to expand cooperation with the ICC Prosecutor’s Office, including by referring relevant facts and information for review in accordance with the procedures stipulated in the Rome Statute.
Tripoli Foreign Ministry denies intention to supress results of investigations
Earlier on Saturday, the Tripoli based Libyan Ministry of Defence confirmed that investigations are ongoing regarding the "sabotage cell" accused of targeting oil and electricity facilities. The ministry stated that the aim is to identify all individuals and entities linked to the case, while denying any intention to ‘‘negotiate’’ with any party regarding the matter.
This denial came in response to media accusations that the Tripoli government was negotiating with foreign states with the aim to suppress the nationality of the accused saboteurs.
6 September dismantling of sabotage cell
This came after the Tripoli government had announced on 6 September that it had dismantled of a sabotage cell implicated in carrying out attacks using armed drones to attack oil storage tanks in Tripoli and Zawia, as well as the Desalination Plant and Zawia power plant.
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