Libya’s Deterrence Force Accuses ICC Prosecutor of Bias in UN Security Council Briefing
Security Force Condemns “Unacceptable Selectivity” in ICC Assessment
The Deterrence Force for Combating Organised Crime and Terrorism has issued a strong rebuke against ICC Prosecutor Karim Khan following his recent briefing to the United Nations Security Council. In an official statement released Wednesday, the Libyan security force expressed “deep astonishment” at Khan’s presentation, which it claims contained “serious fallacies unbecoming of a supposedly neutral institution.”
Allegations of Double Standards in Libya Conflict
A spokesperson for the Deterrence Force condemned what they described as “blatant bias and unacceptable selectivity” in Khan’s assessment of Libya’s security situation. The statement emphasized the force’s legitimacy as a security institution operating under Libya’s Presidential Council and national law, working in coordination with the Attorney General’s Office.
The force specifically denied Khan’s reported remarks about “dissolving the agency,” stating no official dissolution order has been issued by Libyan authorities. Regarding the case of Ministry of Justice employee Osama Najim, the statement clarified his release resulted from official intervention by Libya’s Government of National Unity.
Claims of ICC Inaction Amid Security Operations
The statement highlighted the Deterrence Force’s counterterrorism efforts across Libya, asserting they’ve successfully prosecuted terrorist leaders while the ICC remained “completely absent from the scene.” The force further accused the ICC of double standards for allegedly ignoring documented crimes including bombings, assassinations, and torture in Libyan cities.
Formal Complaint Filed with Libyan Authorities
The Deterrence Force confirmed it has formally notified the Presidential Council of its concerns. Libyan authorities have reportedly tasked relevant departments with documenting violations for prosecution “without selectivity or politicization.”
This article summarizes an original report by Libyan Express. Read the full story here.