Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani responded to the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) request for clarification regarding the release of Osama Najim, the head of Libya’s Judicial Police, who is wanted by the ICC.
Tajani stated, “Italy is a sovereign state and free to make its own decisions on its territory. The Hague is not the Bible, nor the voice of truth,” according to Italian news outlet ANSAmed. He emphasised that Italy operates independently and is not under anyone’s control.
Najim was detained in Turin on 21 January but was released on 23 January. Italian Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi explained that the decision was made for “urgent security reasons due to his danger.” During a Senate hearing, Piantedosi clarified that the Rome Court of Appeal ruled Najim’s detention was not legally justified and ordered his immediate release.
The minister added that Najim was expelled under Article 13 of Italy’s Immigration Law for state security reasons. He was informed of this decision upon his release and subsequently departed Italy the same evening.
The ICC, which issued an arrest warrant for Najim on 18 January 2025 for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity, criticised Italy for releasing him without prior consultation. The court is awaiting further clarification from Rome regarding the steps taken.
Former Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi criticised the government’s handling of the case, addressing Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni: “You didn’t pursue him; you sent him back to Libya on an Italian plane. The ICC calls him a dangerous criminal, but you failed in your duty to act.”
