(The Hague) – The International Criminal Court ’s (ICC) upcoming landmark hearing in the case of Khaled Mohamed Ali El Hishri, suspected of crimes against humanity and war crimes , is a long-awaited breakthrough for victims of serious crimes in Libya , Human Rights Watch said today.

From May 19 to 21, 2026, ICC judges will hear evidence against El Hishri in a “confirmation of charges” hearing to determine whether the case against him should proceed to trial. He is the first person to face justice before the ICC concerning atrocities in Libya since the United Nations Security Council referred the situation in Libya to the ICC prosecutor in 2011, to investigate serious crimes committed following the country’s uprising.…