Italy Faces Backlash After Release of Libyan War Crimes Suspect**

Italian officials defend their actions as criticism mounts over the release of a Libyan war crimes suspect, with accusations of complicity in torture and migration policy exploitation.**

Italian authorities are under fire following the controversial release of a Libyan war crimes suspect, Osama Almasri Najim, after alleged errors in an International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant. Italian Justice Minister Carlo Nordio explained to parliament that the decision was necessary due to significant inaccuracies and contradictions within the warrant which rendered detention impossible.

Najim, head of Libya's judicial police, was arrested in Turin on January 19 but was flown back to Tripoli just two days later. He faces grave charges of murder, rape, and torture associated with his involvement in the Mitiga detention center in Tripoli. The swift release sparked outrage from opposition parties, human rights organizations, and survivors of the Libyan detention system.

In a parliamentary session, Nordio criticized the ICC warrant, asserting that it contained "errors and omissions." Italy's Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi added that Najim was deemed a "national security risk" prior to his expulsion. As Najim returned to Libya, he was met with cheers from local supporters, raising concerns over Italy's commitment to international justice.

Criticism of Italy's actions intensified, with Elly Schlein, leader of the opposition Democratic Party, accusing the government of defending a torturer rather than upholding justice. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, along with Nordio and Piantedosi, is now under investigation by a special court over the incident.

Survivors from Libyan detention camps, such as David Yambio from South Sudan, expressed their profound sense of betrayal, stating that Italy's decision reflects complicity in Libya's ongoing abuses. Echoing sentiments of injustice, Yambio shared his traumatic experiences, asserting that Italy has abandoned those seeking accountability.

Analysts have posited that Italy's free Najim may be influenced by its political and economic ties with Libya. Since a 2017 agreement under the previous government, Italy has funded the Libyan coastguard to prevent migrant arrivals, which has ignited criticism for perpetuating human rights violations against vulnerable migrants.

The situation has been a focal point of Italian media and political discourse. Despite the investigation into key government figures, many believe that it may not lead to substantial repercussions given the ruling coalition's majority in parliament.

Former interior minister Marco Minniti emphasized that Libya remains a pivotal element in Italian national security discussions, particularly concerning migration policies. Meanwhile, advocates are calling for an end to Italy's controversial migration deal with Libya, spotlighting the urgent need for human rights oversight in foreign policy related to migration.