Libyan Presidential Council head Mohamed al-Menfi announced that a formal request had been submitted to the International Criminal Court's prosecutor's office for technical, legal, and financial support in investigating the cell. The request was made through official diplomatic channels, specifically the Foreign Ministry and Defense Ministry, based on Libya's declaration under Article 312 of the Rome Statute.
The request aims to enhance cooperation with Libyan authorities, share the burden of investigations, and help uncover the circumstances of the crimes and hold those responsible accountable. Menfi stated that initial investigations revealed the cell had targeted vital civilian infrastructure as part of a "large-scale terrorist plan" to cause damage to civilian infrastructure and put civilians' lives at risk.
The plan involved targeting fuel tanks, power stations, and other critical infrastructure. Libyan security agencies and the National Safety Agency were able to limit and thwart some of these operations. Menfi emphasized that the crimes committed were severe and met the legal criteria for crimes against humanity or genocide, falling under the ICC's jurisdiction.
Menfi also revealed that some suspects were foreign nationals holding citizenship of ICC member states, in addition to Libyans with foreign passports. He stressed the importance of ensuring the impartiality and transparency of investigations, in line with international laws, to enhance the credibility of the results.
The Libyan government has previously announced the dismantling of a "destructive cell" that carried out drone attacks on oil and power infrastructure in Tripoli and Zawiya. The cell was reportedly part of a larger, interconnected plot to target critical infrastructure, energy sources, and oil facilities, amid a challenging situation in the country.
The government's investigation into the cell's activities uncovered a wide-ranging and coordinated plan to target Libya's infrastructure and energy sources. The authorities have stated that they will not negotiate with any parties regarding the case and will keep the public informed of the investigation's progress.
The development highlights the ongoing challenges Libya faces in maintaining security and stability, particularly in the face of threats to critical infrastructure. The country's request for ICC assistance underscores the complexities of addressing such threats and the need for international cooperation in investigating and prosecuting crimes.
Key points
- Libya seeks ICC aid in investigating destructive cell targeting vital infrastructure
- Request submitted through official diplomatic channels for technical, legal, and financial support
- Investigations aim to uncover circumstances of crimes and hold those responsible accountable
