Italy Meloni under investigation after release of wanted Libyan man
Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has been investigated for the release of a Libyan wanted by the International Criminal Court (ICC). The right-wing politician announced this herself in a video message on social media. She stated that she was being investigated for allegedly aiding and abetting a criminal offense.
28.01.2025, 19:36
28.01.2025, 19:37
SDA
Osama Almasri Najeem, head of the Libyan criminal police, was released last week after being arrested a few days earlier on the basis of an ICC arrest warrant on charges of war crimes in Turin. The court in The Hague declared that it had not been informed of the release and therefore demanded an explanation from Italy.
Meloni government confronted with fierce criticism
Meloni's government has been criticized since the release of the Libyan, who is also the head of a prison camp in the Libyan capital Tripoli. According to several media reports, Almasri Najeem was flown back to the Libyan capital Tripoli on an Italian state plane.
The man was initially released due to a "legal technicality", the government explained. The police who had arrested him had not informed the Ministry of Justice in Rome of his detention as required. After a court did not confirm his detention, the government ordered his deportation due to his "social dangerousness".
Meloni added that the public prosecutor's office was also investigating Justice Minister Carlo Nordio and Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi. "I will not be blackmailed and I will not be intimidated," Meloni explained in her video message. The fact that Meloni is under investigation does not mean that formal charges will necessarily follow against her and the ministers.
Italy and Libya closely linked
Italy maintains close relations with the Libyan government. Time and again, the country's coastguard takes migrants who attempt to cross the Mediterranean to Europe on board and brings them back to Libya. Rome observes this with benevolence. The actions of the coast guard prevent many people from continuing their journey and arriving on Italy's shores.
