UN Calls on Libya to Detain War Crimes Suspect Released by Italy

The UN has called on Libya to arrest war crimes suspect Osama Najim, who was sent back from Italy despite an ICC warrant. Najim faces serious charges and his release has sparked criticism. Italy’s interior minister justified the decision citing security concerns, while opposition leaders condemned the procedural missteps. This incident raises significant human rights and international law issues.

The United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) has urged the Libyan authorities to arrest Osama Najim, a war crimes suspect sent back by Italy, despite an International Criminal Court (ICC) warrant for his arrest. Najim, who is accused of serious crimes including murder, rape, and torture since 2015, was released from custody in Italy, drawing criticism from various political factions and raising concerns from the ICC regarding Italy’s obligations to cooperate in international investigations.

In 2011, the UN Security Council referred the situation in Libya to the ICC for investigation amid civil unrest that overthrew Muammar Gaddafi’s regime. Osama Najim, the head of the Libyan judicial police, was arrested in Italy under an ICC warrant but was released after a court deemed his detention irregular. Italy’s return of Najim to Libya has provoked international scrutiny and highlighted ongoing human rights issues in Libyan detention centers, particularly regarding the treatment of detainees.

The case of Osama Najim illustrates the complex interplay of international law, national sovereignty, and human rights in Libya. It underscores the critical role of the ICC and the responsibilities of member states in the enforcement of international justice. The UN’s call for accountability and investigation into Najim’s alleged crimes reflects ongoing concerns regarding justice in post-revolution Libya and the need for adherence to international legal obligations.

Original Source: www.newarab.com