Italy's Prime Minister Meloni Under Investigation for Controversial Release of War Criminal

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.

A diver's serendipitous find off the coast of Sardinia has led to the discovery of over 30,000 ancient coins, believed to have been minted in Rome during the fourth century. The coins, consisting of bronze and copper, were unearthed in excellent condition, sparking excitement among archaeologists who suggest this may indicate a hidden shipwreck nearby. The discovery took place near the town of Arzachena when the diver spotted a shiny object among the sea grass, which turned out to be the tip of a larger treasure trove. Luigi La Rocca, the director general of archaeology for the region, described it as one of the most significant numismatic finds in recent years. Experts estimate that the total number of coins could reach as high as 50,000, making this one of the largest finds in several decades. Alongside the coins, divers also found narrow-necked jugs, further hinting at the possibility of a buried shipwreck in the vicinity. Authorities have since been alerted, leading to a joint investigation with various official departments. La Rocca emphasized the importance of the seabed's archaeological potential, noting that it preserves a wealth of cultural heritage. As investigations continue, experts remain hopeful that further exploration might reveal the shipwreck linked to this remarkable collection of ancient currency.

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.