The National Human Rights Institution in Libya has referred a detailed report to the International Criminal Court documenting the commission of war crimes during the armed conflict on May 12 and 13 in the capital, Tripoli.
The report included the findings of the investigation, monitoring, and documentation of the civilian casualties and severe damage to homes, institutions, and civilian property caused by the armed confrontations, resulting from indiscriminate shelling and intense gunfire.
The report recorded 25 civilian victims, including two women and five prisoners in correctional facilities that were targeted by shelling, in addition to 42 injuries of varying severity among the population.
It also documented damage to 211 homes, 35 civilian and governmental institutions, and the destruction or disabling of 640 civilian vehicles due to the use of heavy and medium weapons.
The documentation focused on large areas of the capital and its suburbs, including Salah al-Din, Ain Zara, Souq al-Juma’a, Abu Salim, Hay al-Andalus, Al-Siyahiyah, Al-Sarraj, and Janzour. The report observed the use of residential neighborhoods as military sites by armed parties, the use of civilians as human shields, and the direct shelling of prisons and civilian facilities.
The Institution affirmed that the events constitute grave violations of international humanitarian law and the Geneva Conventions, and amount to war crimes under Article (8) of the Rome Statute. It noted that national judicial authorities are unable to conduct effective investigations or hold those responsible accountable, which necessitates the intervention of the International Criminal Court to ensure justice for the victims and those affected.
The Institution concluded its statement by emphasizing that the referral of the report falls within its legal and ethical mandate to protect human rights, ensure redress for victims, and demand accountability for those responsible for the systematic violations that have affected civilians in Tripoli.