Press Release:
22.06.2012
Statement on the
detention of four ICC staff members
ICC-CPI-20120622-PR815
On Friday, 22 June
2012, Mr. Abdelaziz Al-Hassadi, Attorney General of Libya, heading a high level
Libyan delegation, visited the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague
(Netherlands) where he met with the ICC President, Judge Sang-Hyun Song, the
ICC Registrar Silvana Arbia, and other ICC officials to discuss the situation
of the four ICC staff members held in Zintan, Libya, following their mission to
visit Saif Al-Islam Gaddafi, who is subject toprosecution before the ICC for
alleged crimes against humanity.
During the meeting,
Mr. Al-Hassadi presented to the ICC officials information regarding the visit
of the four staff members to Zintan on 7 June 2012.
The ICC President
thanked the Attorney General for visiting the Court. He expressed appreciation
for the mutual trust confirmed in the meetings and welcomed the commitment of
the Libyan authorities to cooperate fully with the ICC in accordance with
United Nations Security Council resolution 1970 (2011). The President
underlined the shared interest of the ICC and the Libyan authorities that Saif
Al-Islam Gaddafi and Abdullah Al-Senussi should face justice.
The ICC takes very
seriously the information reported by Libyan authorities in relation to the ICC
staff members’ visit. The ICC fully understands the importance of the matter
for the Libyan authorities and the people of Libya.
The Court attaches
great importance to the principle that its staff members, when carrying out
their functions, should also respect national laws. The information reported by
the Libyan authorities will be fully investigated in accordance with ICC
procedures following the return of the four staff members. For this purpose,
the Court will be seeking further background information from the Libyan
authorities. The ICC will remain in close contact with the Libyan authorities
to inform them of progress.
The ICC deeply regrets any events that may have
given rise to concerns on the part of the Libyan authorities. In carrying out
its functions, the Court has no intention of doing anything that would
undermine the national security of Libya.
When the ICC has
completed its investigation, the Court will ensure that anyone found
responsible for any misconduct will be subject to appropriate sanctions.
In fulfilling its
mandate to end impunity and providing justice to victims, the ICC is ready to
assist national authorities with their investigations if requests are submitted
to the Court. The ICC is committed to continued mutual cooperation with the
Libyan authorities and will do everything it can to assist them.
The ICC is extremely
grateful to the Libyan authorities for their commitment to take all necessary
action for the release of the Court’s staff members and their speedy
reunification with their family members.
