Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni Under Investigation for War Criminal's Release

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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.

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