Italian PM Giorgia Meloni Faces Investigation Over Release of Libyan War Crimes Suspect

Meloni and senior officials are under scrutiny after a Libyan general, wanted by the ICC for alleged war crimes, was released and returned to Tripoli.

Italian prosecutors have opened an investigation into Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and other government officials over the release of Osama Najeem, a Libyan general accused of war crimes by the International Criminal Court (ICC).
Najeem, arrested in Turin on January 19, was released two days later due to procedural issues and flown back to Tripoli, where he was celebrated by supporters.
The ICC accuses Najeem of crimes including murder, torture, and sexual violence against detainees in Libya and has criticized Italy for not consulting the court before his release.
Meloni's government has faced criticism for its reliance on Libyan security forces to curb migration, with human rights groups raising concerns about abuses linked to these partnerships.
Meloni has denied wrongdoing, stating the investigation does not imply guilt or guarantee formal charges, and she has ruled out resigning.