Osama Najim, head of Libya’s judicial police and director of Tripoli’s Mitiga detention center, was arrested in Turin, Italy, on Sunday following an International Criminal Court (ICC) warrant for war crimes.

Former detainees have reported widespread torture and abuse in Libyan detention centers, with the UN citing “serious rights violations” in 2022.

Najim’s arrest, aided by Interpol, followed years of ICC investigations and victim testimonies.

The case highlights criticism of Italy’s deal with Libya to intercept migrant boats, which has drawn controversy for enabling rights abuses, the BBC has reported.

Najim’s case is now with Italy’s justice ministry and appeals court.

Written by B.C. Begley