Italian PM Meloni under investigation over Libyan war criminal’s release

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has confirmed on January 28 that she is under judicial investigation following the unexpected release of Osama Najim, a Libyan citizen wanted for war crimes by the International Criminal Court (ICC).

In a video message shared on social media, Meloni stated that prosecutors are investigating her for embezzlement and aiding a crime, after Najim was arrested in Italy on 21 January and then released due to a legal technicality. Najim, the head of Libya’s judicial Police, had been wanted for his involvement in war crimes and violations of human rights.

The release of Najim sparked outrage, with the ICC issuing a new arrest warrant and demanding an explanation from Italy. Meloni explained that the Rome appeals court had ordered Najim’s release because the ICC’s arrest warrant had not been sent to the Italian justice ministry. To prevent Najim from staying in Italy, the government arranged for his expulsion back to Libya on a special flight. The decision faced heavy criticism from opposition parties and human rights organizations, such as Amnesty International, who condemned Najim’s actions and expressed concerns over his impunity.

In her video, Meloni suggested political motivations behind the investigation, pointing out that the lawyer who filed the complaint had previously been a left-wing politician, while the prosecutor leading the case had investigated Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini. Meloni, who leads the far-right Brothers of Italy party, rejected the claims, stating that she would not be intimidated or blackmailed. She stressed that her focus would remain on securing Italy’s safety and vowed to continue her policies, particularly on immigration, which include controversial agreements with Libyan authorities to combat illegal migration.