The release of a Libyan war crimes suspect has triggered a powerful political backlash in Italy, placing Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni at the center of a judicial inquiry.
Italian PM Under Judicial Scrutiny After Controversial Release of Libyan War Crimes Suspect
Italian PM Under Judicial Scrutiny After Controversial Release of Libyan War Crimes Suspect
Giorgia Meloni faces investigation over the unexpected liberation of Osama Najim, wanted by the ICC for war crimes.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni announced on Tuesday that she is under judicial investigation concerning the dramatic release of Osama Najim, a Libyan national wanted for war crimes by the International Criminal Court (ICC). In a video statement, Meloni indicated that prosecutors suspect her of embezzlement and complicity in a crime.
Najim, who heads Libya's judicial police and directs a notorious detention facility in Mitiga, was detained in Italy on January 21 before being released shortly thereafter due to what the interior ministry described as a "legal technicality." Following the release, the ICC issued a fresh arrest warrant for Najim, expressing concern that Italian authorities had not consulted them regarding the situation.
Meloni clarified in her post that the Rome appeals court allowed Najim's release because the ICC’s warrant had not been had not been forwarded to the Italian Ministry of Justice. To prevent Najim from remaining in Italy, she stated they opted for immediate expulsion, utilizing a special flight to repatriate him. Justice Minister Carlo Nordio characterized Najim as a "danger," a claim met with mockery by the political opposition.
The decision to free Najim drew backlash from opposition parties and human rights organizations like Amnesty International, who condemned him for past "horrific violations" conducted without consequence. Public dissent grew after videos emerged showing cheering crowds welcoming Najim upon his return to Libya aboard the Italian government plane.
In her address, Meloni disclosed that not only she but also Nordio, Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi, and cabinet undersecretary for intelligence Alfredo Mantovano are included in the investigation. Being placed under investigation in Italy does not automatically imply that formal charges will ensue.
Meloni noted the background of the lawyer who initiated the complaint, Luigi Li Gotti, as a former leftist politician, further hinting at political motivations behind the inquiry. She remained resolute, asserting she would not succumb to intimidation, arguing that her actions were for the protection of Italian citizens.
Matteo Renzi, leader of the opposition party Italy Alive, claimed Meloni was manipulating the investigation to reinforce her narrative of victimization. Since taking office in 2022, Meloni, head of the far-right Brothers of Italy party, has prioritized stringent immigration controls and has been involved in controversial collaborations with Libyan authorities to combat human trafficking and violations concerning illegal immigration.
