Italy’s government is under fire after three top officials were accused of helping a Libyan warlord escape justice.
In January, Osama Al-Masri Njeem—a Libyan general wanted by the International Criminal Court for war crimes—was arrested in Turin after attending a Juventus match. Al-Masri is accused of 22 rapes and 36 murders during his time as head of Libya’s judicial police and enforcer at Tripoli’s notorious Mitiga prison.
The ICC issued a warrant for his arrest. But just 48 hours later, Al-Masri was released. Italian authorities cited a “procedural error” after Justice Minister Carlo Nordio delayed confirming the arrest. Not only was Al-Masri freed he was flown back to Libya aboard an Italian state jet, greeted by cheering crowds. Critics say this was a deliberate move to avoid retaliation from Libyan militias.
Prosecutors allege that Nordio, Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi, and Cabinet Secretary Alfredo Mantovano held secret meetings and chose a “strategy of non-intervention.”
Intelligence warned that holding Al-Masri could endanger Italian energy interests (like ENI’s gas plant in Melliah) and trigger revenge arrests of Italian citizens by Libya’s RADA militia. The ministers allegedly prioritized political expediency over justice, allowing Al-Masri to flee. Potentially destroying key evidence on his devices and documents. Parliament was not informed of these meetings. When questioned in February, the ministers failed to disclose their role in the decision to release Al-Masri.
On Oct. 9, Italy’s parliament voted on whether to lift the ministers’ immunity and allow prosecution. Meloni’s majority blocked the move—votes were denied by more than 2-to-1.
Justice Minister Nordio called the result “satisfying,” noting even some opposition MPs voted against prosecution. Meloni herself called the charges “absurd.” The ICC has asked judges to consider infraction proceedings against Italy, which could escalate to the UN Security Council. Victims may also appeal to the European Court of Human Rights.
The Al-Masri affair raises serious questions about Italy’s commitment to international justice—and whether national security concerns are being used to shield war criminals.
With Meloni’s coalition closing ranks, the scandal may not lead to trials but it’s already left a mark on Italy’s global reputation.