Rome, Italy – Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has revealed that she is under judicial investigation over the controversial repatriation of Osama Elmasry Njeem, a Libyan prison official wanted for war crimes.
Njeem, who was arrested in Turin on 19 January under an International Criminal Court (ICC) warrant, was unexpectedly released just two days later and flown back to Libya on an Italian state aircraft. His sudden repatriation, without prior consultation with the ICC, has drawn sharp criticism and triggered legal scrutiny into Meloni’s role in the decision.
Njeem’s alleged war crimes
The ICC has accused Njeem of crimes against humanity and war crimes, including murder, torture, rape, and sexual violence. He is alleged to have been the head of Libya’s judicial police and the chief overseer of Mitiga Prison in Tripoli—a detention facility infamous for human rights abuses, arbitrary detentions, and mistreatment of migrants and political dissidents.
According to the ICC, Njeem oversaw a brutal prison system where detainees were subjected to torture and sexual violence between February 2015 and the present day. The court had issued an international warrant for his arrest, urging countries to cooperate in bringing him to justice.
Sudden release sparks outrage
After his arrest in Turin, Italian authorities were expected to hold Njeem in custody while working with the ICC on his extradition. However, on 21 January, without any notice to the international tribunal, he was released from custody and flown back to Libya.
Italy’s Interior Minister justified the decision, citing Njeem’s “social dangerousness” as a reason for his swift repatriation. However, critics argue that the move undermines international justice and raises serious legal and ethical concerns.
In response to the incident, the ICC formally demanded an explanation from Italy, stating that it had not been consulted and was not informed about the decision to release a wanted war crimes suspect.
Meloni under investigation
In a video statement posted on Facebook, Meloni confirmed that she is being investigated for allegedly aiding and abetting a crime and misuse of public funds related to the state-funded repatriation flight.
“I will not be blackmailed, I will not allow myself to be intimidated,” she said defiantly, adding that the investigation was likely politically motivated.
Italian prosecutors have not yet formally charged Meloni, and under Italian law, being placed under investigation does not imply guilt or necessarily lead to legal action. However, the case has sparked political controversy, with opposition figures demanding clarity over the government’s handling of Njeem’s release.
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Meloni suggested that the investigation was initiated after a complaint from lawyer Luigi Li Gotti, who had publicly condemned the decision to release Njeem and use state resources to fly him back to Libya.
Political and legal ramifications
Meloni’s situation is further complicated by the fact that the case is being handled by the same prosecutor who previously investigated Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini for allegedly kidnapping migrants when he blocked a rescue ship at sea for nearly three weeks in 2019.
The controversy has reignited debates in Italy over the government’s stance on human rights and international cooperation. Critics argue that Meloni’s government is prioritising political interests over justice, while her supporters claim that the investigation is an attempt to undermine her leadership.
For now, the fate of Osama Elmasry Njeem remains uncertain, as does Meloni’s legal standing. However, with the ICC pushing for accountability and pressure mounting on the Italian government, the case is set to remain a high-profile legal and political battle in the weeks to come.
