Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni is under investigation by Rome prosecutors for her role in the release and repatriation of Libyan warlord Osama Almasri, who is wanted by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for war crimes and crimes against humanity.
On January 19, 2025, Osama Almasri, a Libyan military figure accused of serious offenses including murder and torture, was arrested in Turin, Italy. Despite an existing ICC warrant for his arrest, Almasri was released shortly after his detention due to procedural errors and was subsequently repatriated to Libya on January 21 aboard an Italian state aircraft. This action has led to significant controversy and legal scrutiny within Italy.
Prosecutors in Rome have initiated an investigation into Prime Minister Meloni, along with Justice Minister Carlo Nordio, Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi, and Undersecretary Alfredo Mantovano, on suspicions of abuse of power and misappropriation of public funds related to Almasri’s release and repatriation. The inquiry aims to determine whether the Italian government’s actions were appropriate and lawful, given the serious charges against Almasri and the ICC’s standing arrest warrant.
Prime Minister Meloni has defended the decision, asserting that the ICC’s arrest warrant was issued after Almasri’s arrival in Italy and was not properly communicated to the Justice Ministry. She emphasized that the expulsion was conducted for security reasons and criticized the investigation as politically motivated. Meloni stated, “I am under investigation for aiding and abetting and misappropriation of public funds.”
The incident has sparked outrage among international human rights organizations and opposition parties in Italy. Critics argue that the government’s actions may have been influenced by Italy’s reliance on Libya to curb immigration flows, potentially leading to compromises with Libyan militias implicated in human rights abuses. The ICC has expressed its dismay over Almasri’s release and has demanded explanations from the Italian government regarding the circumstances that led to his repatriation.
The investigation is ongoing, with prosecutors expected to conclude their inquiry within 90 days. The outcome could have significant implications for Prime Minister Meloni’s administration, particularly concerning Italy’s foreign policy and its commitments to international justice.
