Credit:  UN Photo / Manuel Elias /   Fatou Bensouda, Chief Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court, briefs the Security Council meeting on the situation in Libya, at UN world headquarters New York City,  06 November 2019.

By Gary Raynaldo    /  DIPLOMATIC TIMES

UNITED NATIONS   –   NEW YORK –  The Chief Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court, Fatou Bensouda warned Wednesday the parties in the current conflict in Libya if actions of any party amount to war crimes or crimes against humanity they may be liable to prosecution by The Hague-based war tribunal.  Bensouda addressed the UN Security Council to present the ICC’s eighteenth report on the situation in Libya pursuant to Resolution 1970, adopted in 2011.

“Let me be clear: I will not hesitate to bring new applications for warrants of arrest against those most responsible for alleged crimes that fall under the jurisdiction of the ICC.”

-Chief Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court, Fatou Bensouda

“The situation in Libya continues to be grave. I am deeply alarmed by reports indicating that, since early April 2019, more than 100 civilians have been killed, 300 injured, and 120,000 displaced as a result of the armed conflict.”  –  ICC Prosecutor Bensouda. 

Credit: UN Photo / Manuel Elias /  Security Council meeting on the situation in Libya 06 November 2019 United Nations, New York

Bensouda told the Security Council of her serious concern that there has been an escalation of violence in Libya over the last ICC reporting period. “Reports indicate that there have been a high number of civilian deaths, thousands of persons internally displaced, and a sharp increase in abductions, disappearances and arbitrary arrests across Libya,” she said. 

ICC  Prosecutor Calls For Arrest of Libyan War Criminals, Including Gaddafi’s son

Bensouda reiterated the war tribunal’s demand for the arrest  of three Libyans wanted for grave crimes,  including Saif al-Islam Gaddafi, the second son of late Libyan dictator Muammar Gaddafi.   “The three ICC fugitives stand accused of grave international crimes. These crimes include the war crimes of murder, torture, cruel treatment and outrages upon personal dignity, and the crimes against humanity of persecution, imprisonment, torture, and other inhumane acts. In accordance with UN Security Council Resolution 1970, I urge all States, including Libya and Egypt, to facilitate the immediate arrest and surrender of the Libyan fugitives to the Court.”   Bensouda said.

The ICC prosecutor reminded the Security Council that perpetrators of serious international crimes are emboldened when they believe they will never face justice. The cycle of impunity has provided a breeding ground for atrocities in Libya, she added.

“We will soon be reaching a decade since this Council referred the situation in Libya to my Office. The people of Libya deserve peace and stability. Bringing those responsible for war crimes and crimes against humanity to justice facilitates that coveted outcome.”

-ICC Prosecutor Bensouda