Milan – The investigation into Premier Giorgia Meloni and two of her government ministers regarding the repatriation of a Libyan warlord, wanted by the International Criminal Court (ICC), has been initiated by prosecutors in Rome, as announced by Meloni on Tuesday.
Meloni disclosed the investigation in a social media video, indicating that her justice and interior ministers, along with an under-secretary, are also involved. The inquiry stems from allegations of complicity with Ossama Anjiem, also known as Ossama al-Masri, who was recently released after being arrested in Turin on an ICC warrant. The Italian government is facing criticism from opposition parties, human rights organizations, and the ICC itself for letting al-Masri go free on a legal technicality shortly after his arrest.
According to Meloni, the investigation was likely triggered by a complaint from an opposition member. In Italy, legal proceedings often commence from such complaints, with a preliminary judge responsible for determining whether charges are formally laid, a process that may extend for several months or more. Al-Masri was apprehended in Turin on January 19, just one day after the ICC issued its arrest warrant. He was expelled by the Italian authorities on January 21, as a court did not validate his detention.
Meloni expressed frustration in her social media statement, noting that the ICC warrant was issued upon al-Masri’s arrival in Italy, following his extended stay in three other European nations for about twelve days. The premier maintained that the arrest warrant had not been officially communicated to the Justice Ministry as mandated by law, which contributed to the Appeals Court in Rome’s decision not to confirm the arrest.
“Our priority was to ensure security. Hence, instead of allowing him to remain free, we opted for his immediate expulsion and repatriation, conducting him on a flight comparable to other urgent cases,” she stated. Meloni stressed her unwillingness to yield to pressure, asserting, “I cannot be blackmailed. I will not be intimidated.”
Justice Minister Carlo Nordio, Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi, and under-secretary Alfredo Mantovani are additionally implicated in the investigation. Piantedosi is slated to address lawmakers regarding the incident shortly, having previously told the Senate that al-Masri’s expulsion was justified due to urgent security concerns linked to his presence.
The ICC has accused al-Masri of engaging in war crimes and crimes against humanity in Mitiga prison, Libya, starting in 2015, which carry severe penalties, including life imprisonment. Specific allegations include murder, torture, rape, and sexual violence, with the ICC asserting that the arrest warrant was communicated to states, including Italy, on January 18, and that timely updates were provided regarding al-Masri’s entry into Europe. The court had also alerted Italy to reach out “without delay” should any issues arise in cooperation related to the warrant.
Al-Masri is known to lead the Tripoli division of the Reform and Rehabilitation Institution, tied to the Special Deterrence Forces, a controversial network of detention facilities linked to government forces. These groups, like many others in western Libya, have been implicated in various atrocities during the civil war that erupted after the ousting and death of long-time leader Moammar Gadhafi in 2011. Recently, the ICC’s chief prosecutor has announced additional arrest warrants related to alleged crimes in Libya that extend beyond civil war activities, spotlighting documented human rights violations in detention facilities.
