The International Criminal Court (ICC) has publicly disclosed an arrest warrant for Saif Suleiman Sneidel, a militia officer implicated in severe war crimes in Libya. This action marks a significant step in addressing the atrocities committed during the Second Libyan Civil War. The charges against Sneidel include murder, torture, and outrages upon personal dignity, with allegations of his involvement in the execution of 23 individuals.

In 2011, the UN Security Council referred the Libyan situation to the ICC under Resolution 1970, authorizing the court to prosecute crimes committed within the country. Libya, not a signatory to the Rome Statute, fell under ICC jurisdiction due to this resolution. The charges stem from Sneidel's alleged actions in Benghazi or its vicinity, from early June 2016 to mid-July 2017, as a member of the Al-Saiqa Brigade’s Group 50 during "Operation Dignity."

Initially sealed to aid in his capture and to protect ongoing investigations, the warrant was issued on November 10, 2020. The ICC Prosecutor's office requested its unsealing in July 2025, a move aimed at enhancing international cooperation for Sneidel’s arrest. Deputy Prosecutor Nazhat Shameem Khan emphasized the importance of this decision, allowing for broader discussion and collaborative efforts towards Sneidel's apprehension.

The ICC’s actions arrive amidst broader efforts to address war crimes in Libya. For instance, Osama Elmasry Njeem, another Libyan war criminal, was apprehended in Italy earlier this year due to an ICC warrant. However, his subsequent return to Libya by Italian authorities sparked criticism from the UN Security Council.

Currently, eight public ICC warrants remain outstanding in Libya. The ICC has urged Libyan authorities to support the execution of these warrants, reinforcing the mandate provided by UN Resolution 1970. The international community watches closely, anticipating further developments in the pursuit of justice for the victims of war crimes in Libya.