Italian PM Meloni Under Investigation Following Controversial Release of Libyan Officer

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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.

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