The head of Libya's judicial police, Osama Najim, has been arrested on war crimes charges following a warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC), according to media reports.Najim, who manages the Mitiga detention center in Tripoli, was reportedly taken into custody on Sunday in Turin, Italy. Former detainees from several Libyan detention centers have accused authorities of severe abuses, including routine torture and rape.

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In 2022, the United Nations reported finding evidence of "serious rights violations."Italian newspaper la Repubblica said Najim was arrested at a hotel after Interpol provided a tip. An Italian migrant rescue group, Mediterranea Saving Humans, explained that the arrest followed a "difficult" ICC investigation that relied on years of victim complaints and testimonies.The ICC has not yet commented on the case.

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Mediterranea Saving Humans also criticized a controversial agreement between Italy and Libya. Under this deal, Italy provides training and funding to Libya’s coastguard to intercept migrant boats, aiming to reduce the flow of migrants traveling through Libya to Italy.

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At the time of his arrest, Najim was reportedly with other Libyan citizens and planned to visit a stadium, according to attorney general Lucia Musti, as reported by la Repubblica.Najim's case has been forwarded to the Italian justice ministry and the appeals court in Rome for further action.

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