Italian Premier Under Investigation for Controversial Release of War Crimes Suspect
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni announced on Tuesday that she is under investigation related to the controversial release of Libyan judicial police commander Najeem Osema Almasri Habish, who is wanted for war crimes by the International Criminal Court (ICC). Almasri was arrested in Italy but was released on a technicality and subsequently flown back to Tripoli, where he received a hero's welcome aboard an Italian secret service plane.
In her statement, Meloni revealed that she had received notice of an investigation into possible aiding and abetting, as well as embezzlement of public funds, initiated by prosecutor Francesco Lo Voi. Lo Voi had previously prosecuted Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister Matteo Salvini for allegedly abducting migrants as part of his harsh policy to close ports to migrant rescue ships in 2019.
The notice of investigation has also been extended to Justice Minister Carlo Nordio, Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi, and cabinet secretary Alfredo Mantovano, who oversees intelligence matters.
The ICC has demanded an explanation for Almasri's release, as he faces serious charges including alleged rape, murder, and the brutal treatment of migrants in a Tripoli jail.
Opposition figures have criticized Meloni, asserting that her actions contradict her promises to combat migrant trafficking across land, sea, and air. They have suggested that the release of Almasri may be linked to a deal between Rome and Tripoli, which allegedly involves funding the Libyan coast guard in return for conducting illegal pushbacks of migrants attempting to reach Europe.
Defending herself, Meloni asserted on Tuesday that she would not be intimidated and reiterated her commitment to her principles, stating, "I am not susceptible to blackmail." The controversy surrounding the release of Almasri continues to cast a shadow over Meloni's administration, raising questions about Italy's policies on migration and its relations with North African countries.
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