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Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni is facing judicial investigation after her government released Osama Elmasry Njeem, a Libyan police officer wanted by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for alleged crimes against humanity. Njeem was detained in Turin and subsequently flown back to Libya by an Italian state aircraft last week, raising concerns from the ICC, which stated it had not been consulted prior to the release, according to reports. In a social media statement, Meloni confirmed her investigation pertains to accusations of aiding and abetting a crime and misuse of public funds. She emphasized that being under investigation does not imply guilt and stated, "I will not be blackmailed... by those who do not want Italy to change and become better." The investigation was reportedly initiated after a complaint from lawyer Luigi Li Gotti regarding the manner of Njeem's release. Justice Minister Carlo Nordio, Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi, and Cabinet undersecretary for intelligence matters Alfredo Mantovano are also under investigation in connection to the case.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni announced on Tuesday that she is under judicial investigation following a governmental decision to release a Libyan police officer associated with allegations of crimes against humanity. The officer, Osama Elmasry Njeem, was freed last week and flown to Libya by an Italian state aircraft shortly after his arrest under an International Criminal Court (ICC) warrant in Turin. The ICC has expressed concerns over this decision, stating it was not consulted prior to Njeem's release. Meloni, in her defense, claimed she faces allegations of aiding and abetting a crime, as well as misuse of public funds. While she is not required to resign, the investigation itself does not imply guilt, nor does it guarantee formal charges will follow. “I will not be blackmailed, I will not allow myself to be intimidated,” Meloni stated in a video on her Facebook page, suggesting that the investigation may have been prompted by opposition from those resistant to her governance. Additionally, key members of her administration, including Justice Minister Carlo Nordio and Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi, have also been placed under investigation. Meloni indicated that the inquiry was initiated after a complaint lodged by lawyer Luigi Li Gotti regarding Njeem's release and the use of official resources for his transport back to Libya. The case has drawn parallels to a previous investigation involving Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini, who was acquitted in a separate matter concerning the alleged kidnapping of migrants.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni is facing an investigation by the Italian judiciary following the recent release of a Libyan national who is wanted for war crimes by the International Criminal Court (ICC). Meloni disclosed on Tuesday that she is being investigated for alleged complicity in a crime, with formal proceedings already initiated against her. The investigation also includes several prominent officials, including Justice Minister Carlo Nordio, Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi, and Secretary of State for Intelligence Affairs Alfredo Mantovano. The matter escalated after Osama Najeem, the head of the Libyan Criminal Police, was released shortly after his arrest in Turin on January 19. The ICC accuses Najeem of war crimes and crimes against humanity, including murder, torture, and rape of prisoners in Libya. Despite his arrest, Najeem was released just two days later and celebrated upon his return to Tripoli. This incident raises concerns due to Meloni's government's reliance on Libyan security forces to prevent migrant crossings to Italy, amid ongoing allegations of human rights violations against Libya’s coast guard. Meloni responded to the investigation by asserting that it does not imply her guilt nor will it necessarily lead to formal charges. She emphasized her commitment to not be intimidated by the proceedings and expressed that her unpopularity stems from her efforts to implement change in Italy. Interior Minister Piantedosi explained that a court in Rome ordered Najeem's release for procedural reasons, and the local police's failure to notify the Justice Ministry timely was noted. European and human rights advocates have condemned the actions of the Italian government, labeling them as a "shameful protection" for a "trafficker and torturer." In a related context, Italy recently attempted to send migrants to Albania for internment, marking the third such initiative by Meloni’s administration, all of which have faced legal challenges.