Italian PM Giorgia Meloni Under Investigation Over Release of Libyan Police Officer
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni revealed on Tuesday that she is under judicial investigation after her government’s controversial decision to release Libyan police officer Osama Elmasry Njeem, wanted by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for alleged crimes against humanity, including murder, torture, and rape. Njeem was repatriated on an Italian state aircraft days after being detained in Turin, prompting demands from the ICC for an explanation, as they had not been consulted.
Meloni, along with Justice Minister Carlo Nordio, Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi, and intelligence undersecretary Alfredo Mantovano, faces accusations of aiding and abetting a crime and misuse of public funds. Opposition leaders have ridiculed the government’s justification, with Piantedosi set to address parliament on Wednesday regarding the decision, which has strained relations between Rome and the ICC.
The prime minister defended her actions, calling the investigation politically motivated. Meloni pointed to previous probes against her government figures, including the recent acquittal of Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini over a migrant standoff case. Lucio Malan, Senate leader of Meloni’s Brothers of Italy party, accused the judiciary of using “politicized justice” to undermine the government amid ongoing legal reforms.
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