Khalifa H.

Type of liability
Personne physique

Alleged perpetrator(s)
Khalifa H.

Nationality of alleged perpetrator(s)
Libyan

Legal classification of crime(s)
Torture and acts of barbarity
Arbitrary detention

Source of the complaint
NGO

Ongoing proceedings
oui

Regime
2 - 689-1 CPP

Summary of facts

Field Marshal Khalifa Belqasim H. was appointed Commander-in-Chief of the Libyan National Army (LNA) on March 2, 2015. The LNA is a non-internationally recognized army that is fighting on Libyan territory despite the peace process initiated since the agreement and the ceasefire adopted in July 2017.

In spring 2014, Khalifa H. and the LNA launched “Operation Dignity”, aimed at retaking the city of Benghazi.

In this context, Khalifa H. allegedly ordered the attack on a family that he allegedly arbitrarily arrested and tortured for three weeks.

Between 2016 and March 2017, the LNA is suspected of having committed crimes during the occupation of the city of Benghazi.

Khalifa H. is accused of launching a bombing campaign without specific targets, as well as of having participated in murders and enforced disappearances in the Al-Laitti, Bu-Atni and Ganfouda districts, where many civilians had taken refuge.

Amnesty International France recalls that everyone is presumed innocent until proven guilty according to law.

Legal proceedings

<p>April 18, 2018: the NGO WeArenotWeaponsofWar filed a complaint for “torture” and “arbitrary detention” against Khalifa H. with the Paris High Court. He was in France at the time for medical reasons, but is now back in Libya.</p>

Complaint

non

Names of NGOs / Victim(s)

WeArenotWeaponsofWar

Legal basis for jurisdiction (article)

689-2 CCP

Court of Assizes judgment

n/a

Court of Appeal ruling

n/a

Court of Cassation ruling

n/a

Sources

Le Monde, « Le maréchal libyen Khalifa Haftar visé par une plainte à Paris pour actes de barbarie », 2018

RFI, « Libye: une deuxième plainte pour «torture» déposée contre le maréchal Haftar », 2018