In a significant turn of events, Italy’s Justice Minister has requested the revocation of the arrest of an Iranian national, Mohammad Abedini Najafabadi, who is wanted by the United States for his alleged involvement in a drone attack that claimed the lives of three American servicemen. This decision, announced on Sunday, coincided with the recent release of Italian journalist Cecilia Sala from Iranian custody, suggesting a possible diplomatic overture between Italy, the U.S., and Iran.
Italian Justice Minister Withdraws Extradition Request for Iranian Man Linked to U.S. Drone Attack
Italian Justice Minister Withdraws Extradition Request for Iranian Man Linked to U.S. Drone Attack
Italy's move follows Iran's release of an Italian journalist, raising questions over diplomatic negotiations.
Abedini, aged 38, was taken into custody in Milan last month at the request of the U.S. Justice Department, which has been pursuing his extradition for reportedly supplying materials that contributed to a drone strike conducted by an Iranian-backed militia against a military base in Jordan. However, the Italian Justice Ministry soon concluded that the legal basis for extradition under the existing treaty with the United States was not met in this case.
Shortly after Italy’s announcement, Iranian state media indicated that Abedini was expected to be released and return to Iran. While the Italian government has yet to provide definitive confirmation of his release, the situation raises eyebrows, especially given the timing with Sala’s recent liberation.
The Italian government has not linked the two incidents officially, but Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni earlier suggested that Sala’s release stemmed from successful diplomatic “triangulation” involving both the U.S. and Iran. In its statement, Italy's Justice Ministry affirmed that the crimes Abedini was charged with, including violations of U.S. export laws, do not have a corresponding statute in Italian law, thus complicating extradition efforts.
Additionally, the ministry noted that it had received insufficient evidence to support allegations that Abedini had provided material assistance to a foreign terrorist organization.
This development highlights the complex, often intertwined nature of international relations and legal proceedings, especially in cases involving sensitive allegations tied to national security and foreign policy.
Emma Bubola is a Times reporter based in Rome. More about Emma Bubola can be found in the Times archive.
Shortly after Italy’s announcement, Iranian state media indicated that Abedini was expected to be released and return to Iran. While the Italian government has yet to provide definitive confirmation of his release, the situation raises eyebrows, especially given the timing with Sala’s recent liberation.
The Italian government has not linked the two incidents officially, but Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni earlier suggested that Sala’s release stemmed from successful diplomatic “triangulation” involving both the U.S. and Iran. In its statement, Italy's Justice Ministry affirmed that the crimes Abedini was charged with, including violations of U.S. export laws, do not have a corresponding statute in Italian law, thus complicating extradition efforts.
Additionally, the ministry noted that it had received insufficient evidence to support allegations that Abedini had provided material assistance to a foreign terrorist organization.
This development highlights the complex, often intertwined nature of international relations and legal proceedings, especially in cases involving sensitive allegations tied to national security and foreign policy.
Emma Bubola is a Times reporter based in Rome. More about Emma Bubola can be found in the Times archive.
