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Giorgia Meloni
by: euunfilteredPosted on:

Italian PM Meloni Investigated for Aiding ICC Suspect

Italian PM Giorgia Meloni is under investigation for releasing a Libyan police officer wanted by the ICC for crimes against humanity. Meloni announced on social media that she is being investigated by Rome’s chief prosecutor for aiding and abetting a crime and misuse of public funds.
The Libyan officer, Osama Elmasry Njeem, was freed and flown home by an Italian state aircraft just days after being detained in Turin under an ICC arrest warrant. The ICC has demanded an explanation, stating it was not consulted over the decision to release Njeem.
Meloni believes the investigation was triggered by a complaint from lawyer Luigi Li Gotti over the release of Njeem and the use of an official jet. Njeem had visited three European countries before reaching Italy, and it was only then that the ICC requested his arrest.
Meloni’s supporters accuse the judiciary of being politically motivated, aiming to attack her government. Her government has been criticized for its handling of the case, with accusations of protecting agreements with Libya.
Human rights groups and the ICC have condemned the release of Njeem, highlighting Italy’s obligation to cooperate with the court. The investigation continues, with Meloni and her minister’s facing scrutiny over their actions.
Background on the ICC arrest warrant:

On January 18, 2025, the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued an arrest warrant for Osama Elmasry Njeem, also known as Osama Almasri Njeem, regarding alleged crimes against humanity and war crimes committed in Libya from February 2015 onwards. Njeem, who was in charge of prison facilities in Tripoli, is accused of murder, torture, rape, and other forms of sexual violence. These crimes were reportedly carried out at Mitiga Prison, targeting individuals for their religious beliefs, perceived immoral behaviour, or affiliations with other armed groups.

The ICC requested Njeem’s arrest from six states, including Italy, where he was located in Turin on January 19, 2025. Njeem was arrested by Italian authorities but was released on January 21, 2025, without prior consultation with the ICC, and transported back to Libya.