Outrage in Italy as Warlord Released from ICC Warrant Arrest
Italian opposition lawmakers and human rights groups expressed fury over the release of Ossama Anjiem, a Libyan warlord also known as Ossama alMasri, who was arrested under an International Criminal Court (ICC) warrant but freed on a technicality. AlMasri was apprehended in Turin on Sunday, following accusations of war crimes and crimes against humanity related to his role in the Mitiga prison in Libya since 2011. He leads the Tripoli branch of the Reform and Rehabilitation Institution, notorious for its human rights abuses.
On Tuesday, a Rome appeals court ordered his release, citing a procedural error; Justice Minister Carlo Nordio had not been notified of the arrest prior to it taking place, a requirement since his ministry handles relations with The Hague-based ICC. Consequently, the court stated that the conditions for validating the arrest were not met, leading to the immediate release of alMasri, who was flown back to Libya on a plane belonging to the Italian secret services.
During a scheduled Senate appearance, Nordio faced intense scrutiny over the decision to release alMasri. The Italian government, particularly the right-wing coalition led by Premier Giorgia Meloni, was criticized for its perceived hypocrisy given its strong rhetoric against human trafficking. Former Premier Matteo Renzi of the Italia Viva party highlighted the contradiction: "When a trafficker whom the ICC tells us is a dangerous criminal lands on your table, it’s not like you chase him down; you brought him home to Libya with a plane of the Italian secret services. Either you're sick, or this is the image of a hypocritical indecent government."
Following his release, alMasri was welcomed at Tripoli's Mitiga airport by supporters who celebrated with chants and carried him on their shoulders, further emphasizing the divisive nature of his case. The Democratic Party called for Premier Meloni to respond specifically to parliament regarding the alarming implications of the ruling, noting the significant human rights abuses associated with Libyan prisons.
Italy’s close ties with the UN-recognized government in Tripoli complicate matters; any trial for alMasri at the ICC could draw unwanted scrutiny towards Italy's controversial immigration policies, including its support for the Libyan coast guard aimed at intercepting migrants trying to reach Europe. Human rights organizations have criticized Italy for complicity in the harsh treatment of migrants in Libyan detention centers.
Democratic lawmaker Paolo Ciani raised concerns about the political motivations behind the urgent release of alMasri and demanded clarity on why he was in Italy in the first place. Humanitarian groups, including Mediterranea Saving Humans and Refugees in Libya, expressed disbelief at Italy's decision, stating that many who survived the horrific conditions in Libyan prisons had hoped for justice and could not fathom how such a release could take place.
Libyan activist Tarik Lamloum highlighted that the release was anticipated, indicating the influence of militias who manage the migration issue for Italy. These militias, many of whom are recognized for their notorious actions and are sanctioned by the UN, have reportedly been beneficiaries of significant EU funds intended to manage migration flows from Libya to Europe.
In light of this development, the ICC has yet to respond to inquiries regarding the case. Meanwhile, a European Commission spokesman reiterated that all EU member states had committed to cooperating with the court. As the fallout from this incident continues, both lawmakers and human rights advocates await higher accountability and a clearer political stance from the Italian government regarding its relationships with Libyan authorities.
Related Sources: