Italy’s Meloni under fire over release of wanted Libyan general

Giorgia Meloni’s government is facing mounting pressure to clarify why a Rome court rejected the arrest of a wanted Libyan general accused of war crimes, allowing him to return home aboard a flight operated by Italy’s secret services.

The controversial move has sparked outrage, with critics accusing the Italian government of shielding a suspect accused of war crimes in the North African country. 

Osama Najim, also known as Almasri, was detained in Turin on Sunday under an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) but was released just two days later due to “a procedural error”, with no prior consultation with Italian authorities.

Najim, who heads Libya’s judicial police, is wanted for a range of crimes including war crimes, crimes against humanity, rape, and murder.

These alleged crimes were committed at Mitiga prison, near Tripoli, where human rights organisations say arbitrary detention, torture, and abuses against political dissidents, refugees, and migrants are common.

The ICC expressed its concern in a statement on Wednesday, saying Najim was released and transported back to Libya “without prior notice or consultation” with the court.

The ICC added that it was seeking verification from the Italian authorities about the steps taken, and had urged them to consult the court without delay if any issues arose that could impede cooperation.

The arrest warrant was issued following numerous testimonies detailing Najim’s alleged crimes. Despite the accusations, an Italian flight transported him from Turin’s Caselle airport to his home country. An image of his arrival in Tripoli that was shared on social media, where he was greeted with a hero’s welcome. 

«Oggi il governo italiano stringe la mano all’architetto del traffico di esseri umani. Almasri me lo ricordo bene, era il capo, lui stesso era un torturatore, dava gli ordini di uccidere, di sparare e di ridurre in schiavitù. Nel carcere di Mitiga gli uomini venivano bruciati e… pic.twitter.com/GVypwQlLV6

— Marco Fattorini (@MarcoFattorini) January 23, 2025

Italy’s Court of Appeal refused to validate the ICC’s warrant, citing that it was “irregular”, as it had not been preceded by discussions with Italy’s Justice Minister Carlo Nordio. Andrea Delmastro, an undersecretary at the justice ministry, has denied claims that Najim’s release was in any way a favour to Libya.

According to reports, Najim entered Italy from France on Saturday, driving a hire car registered in Germany. He attended a football match between Juventus and AC Milan in Turin that evening, before being arrested at a hotel by Italy’s anti-terrorism squad following a tip-off from Interpol.

Condemning the move, Libyan judicial police said Najim’s release was an “outrageous incident”.

Opposition parties are now demanding an explanation from Meloni’s government, calling the situation “very serious” and urging Justice Minister Nordio to resign.

A joint statement from several opposition groups read: “Last night, a state plane landed in Tripoli, bringing home Almasri, an [alleged] torturer, celebrated by his homeland. This is more than enough to demand urgent clarification from Meloni and Nordio’s resignation.”

Ilaria Salis, an Italian MEP, said the government must explain its actions, especially considering the suffering of detainees in Libyan detention camps.

Others have pointed out the hypocrisy in the government’s stance on human trafficking, particularly as Meloni’s administration has frequently vowed to combat the criminal networks responsible for trafficking migrants across the Mediterranean.

The Italian government has also been accused of prioritising its relationship with Libya over the pursuit of justice. Many suggested that Najim’s return to Libya may allow him to become a more prominent figure, protected by the very country that helped him avoid international prosecution.

The 2017 migrant deal between Italy and Libya, in which the European country provides funding and training to the Libyan coastguard to block migrant boats, has drawn heavy criticism from humanitarian groups.

Organisations claimed the deal pushes migrants back into detention camps, where they face widespread abuse.

Luca Casarini, head of mission for the NGO Mediterranea Saving Humans, argued that the Italian government’s reluctance to hand Najim over to the ICC is driven by its desire to avoid revealing Italy’s complicity in the torture and abuse of migrants in Libya.

“If the truth comes out in court, it will show that Italy is criminally complicit in these human rights violations. This is a shameful, and I believe unprecedented, episode for Italy,” he said.

The New Arab has contacted Italy’s Foreign Ministry with a request for comment.