US Sanctions Former Libyan Official Over Torture of Detainees
Washington has blacklisted a former Libyan judicial police official accused of torturing prisoners and attacking Christians. His wife is also affected.
Key points
- Osema Almasri Habeesh Najeem, a former Libyan Judicial Police official, was designated by the US
- The designation also covers his wife, Aml Faraj Mohamed Makhluf
- He is accused of torture and cruel, inhuman, and degrading treatment at the Mitiga and al Jadida prisons
- He and his family members are barred from entering the United States
The U.S. Department of State announced the designation of Osema Almasri Habeesh Najeem, a former Libyan Judicial Police official, for his involvement in gross human rights violations. The measure was announced by Secretary of State Marco Rubio on October 30, 2026.
According to the statement, Najeem is responsible for torture and cruel, inhuman, and degrading treatment of detainees in the Mitiga and al Jadida prisons. The U.S. Government also attributes to him murder, forced labor, and targeting of Christians and members of other religious minority groups.
The designation extends to his wife, Aml Faraj Mohamed Makhluf. As a result, both he and his family members are ineligible to enter the United States.
The sanction is made under Section 7031(c) of the National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2026. Washington says the action reflects its commitment to holding abusers accountable and protecting the American people from their actions.