The head of Libya’s judicial police, Osama Najim, has been arrested in Italy following an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) over war crimes allegations. Najim, who manages the Mitiga detention center in Tripoli, was detained on Sunday in Turin, Italy, according to media reports.
Former detainees from Libyan detention centers have accused Najim of overseeing abuses, including routine torture and rape. The UN revealed in 2022 that it had uncovered evidence of serious human rights violations in these centers.
The arrest followed an investigation by the ICC, which received years of complaints and testimonies from victims, according to the Italian migrant rescue charity Mediterranea Saving Humans. Interpol assisted in the arrest, acting on a tip-off, and Najim was apprehended at a hotel.
The arrest has drawn attention to Italy’s controversial migrant deal with Libya, where Italy provides funding and training to Libya’s coastguard to intercept migrant boats. Critics have raised concerns over the agreement, particularly regarding the treatment of migrants in Libyan detention centers.
At the time of his arrest, Najim was with fellow Libyan nationals and was reportedly preparing to attend a stadium event. His case has been referred to the justice ministry and Rome’s appeals court for further proceedings.
