Italy Faces Backlash Over Deportation of Libyan War Crimes Suspect

The government defends its decision to expel Osama Njeem, wanted by the ICC, citing state security concerns, as opposition and international criticism mount.

• Osama Elmasry Njeem, a Libyan brigadier general accused of war crimes, was arrested in Italy under an ICC warrant but released due to a procedural error.
• Italy’s government deported Njeem to Libya, citing his 'social dangerousness' and state security concerns, without consulting the ICC as required by international agreements.
• The ICC criticized Italy’s actions, emphasizing its obligation to cooperate fully as a member state and expressing concern over the lack of communication regarding Njeem’s release.
• Opposition lawmakers and human rights groups condemned the decision, accusing the government of prioritizing political agreements with Libya over international justice.
• The case has drawn attention to Italy’s reliance on Libyan authorities to curb migration, raising questions about the ethical implications of their cooperation.

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