Federal police apprehended Libyan national Khaled al-Hishri, also known as al Buti, at Berlin airport on Wednesday morning. The arrest was reported by “Der Spiegel” on Thursday.
The 46-year-old was reportedly attempting to depart Germany for Tunis. Al-Hishri is considered a leading member of the Rada militia, which controls Mitiga airport and the surrounding area in the Libyan capital of Tripoli. According to reports from the United Nations, the airport facilities include detention centers where prisoners have allegedly been subjected to mistreatment, torture and prolonged confinement without external contact.
Confirming the reports, the Brandenburg Public Prosecutor’s Office stated that Al-Hishri was arrested at Berlin Brandenburg Airport at the request of the International Criminal Court (ICC). He faces accusations of “crimes against prisoners”. The prosecution authority has indicated that extradition to the ICC is currently being sought.