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Italian ministers face allegations over release of Libyan official wanted by ICC
Judges in Italy have requested parliamentary approval to investigate two government ministers over their involvement in the release of Osama Almasri Najim, a Libyan official wanted by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for charges including murder, rape, and torture. Najim, the head of Libya’s judicial police, was arrested on January 19 in Turin under an ICC warrant but was released two days later by Rome’s Court of Appeal. He was then flown to Tripoli on an Italian air force plane.
Justice Minister Carlo Nordio and Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi are accused of failing to uphold their duties and aiding Najim’s return to Libya. Nordio is alleged to have ignored ICC cooperation requests and failed to act to keep Najim in custody. Piantedosi, along with under-secretary Alfredo Mantovano, reportedly authorized Najim’s expulsion and facilitated his transport using a state aircraft. Both officials are also facing accusations of complicit embezzlement.
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni stated on Monday that she had been cleared of any wrongdoing in the case. She criticized the court's findings, calling it "absurd" that she was not informed of the decisions regarding Najim. Meloni defended her government’s actions as being focused on safeguarding Italians.
The case has ignited a political storm in Italy, with opposition figures accusing the government of prioritizing diplomatic relations with Libya over justice. Piantedosi denied these claims, insisting Najim’s expulsion was necessary due to the threat he posed. Nordio, meanwhile, argued that the ICC warrant was poorly drafted, complicating the legal process.
Despite the court’s request to proceed with the case, it is unlikely parliament will grant permission, given Meloni’s coalition holds the majority.
