Italian Prime Minister Under Investigation for Release of Libyan War Crimes Suspect

Giorgia Meloni, Italy's Prime Minister, has announced she is under judicial investigation following the controversial release of Osama Najim, a Libyan war crimes suspect. Criticized by both opposition parties and NGOs, Meloni alleges political motives behind the investigation while emphasizing her commitment to national safety.

Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has disclosed that she is currently under judicial investigation concerning the surprising release of Osama Najim, a Libyan citizen previously sought for war crimes by the International Criminal Court (ICC). Meloni expressed her predicament in a social media video message, stating that prosecutors are investigating her for embezzlement and facilitating a crime.

Najim, the head of Libya's judicial police and director of a notorious detention facility near Tripoli, was apprehended in Italy on January 21. However, he was released shortly thereafter, allowed to return to Libya due to a "legal technicality," as asserted by the Italian interior ministry. The ICC issued a new arrest warrant for Najim, signaling discontent with the lack of communication from Italian authorities regarding his release.

In her video statement, Meloni explained the Rome appeals court's decision to release Najim stemmed from the ICC warrant not being forwarded to the Italian justice ministry. To prevent Najim's continued presence on Italian soil, Meloni mentioned that the government organized an immediate repatriation via a special flight. Justice Minister Carlo Nordio had characterized Najim’s expulsion as a necessary action due to the perceived "danger" he posed, a remark that drew derision from political opponents.

The decision to repatriate Najim has been met with criticism from opposition members and non-governmental organizations like Amnesty International, who condemned Najim for his alleged grave human rights abuses. Widespread outrage followed as images circulated showing jubilant crowds greeting Najim’s return to Libya.

In her video, Meloni insisted that both Nordio, Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi, and intelligence undersecretary Alfredo Mantovano are also under investigation. Being investigated in Italy does not guarantee formal charges, but Meloni struck a combative tone, hinting at partisan motivations behind the inquiry, alluding to the political background of the lawyer who lodged the complaint.

Meloni closed the message with a declaration of resilience, vowing her inability to succumb to intimidation and reiterating her commitment to safeguarding Italians. Matteo Renzi, leader of the Italy Alive party, accused Meloni of manipulating the investigation to reinforce her narrative of victimization.

Since assuming leadership of the ruling right-wing coalition in 2022, Meloni has made immigration control a focal point of her governance, advocating for stringent measures against illegal migrant departures from North Africa. She has previously cooperated with Libyan authorities, providing resources to target human trafficking and bolster the Libyan coast guard's efforts in intercepting vessels carrying migrants.