Italian Member of Parliament Riccardo Magi, representing the +Europa party, has called on Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni to provide a parliamentary briefing regarding the case of the release and subsequent expulsion of Libyan General Osama Najim Al-Masry Habish. Magi criticized statements by Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi on the matter as lacking reasonable explanation.
Piantedosi justified the Libyan general’s release on “urgent and security grounds due to the danger posed by the individual concerned.” However, Magi regarded these statements as “an official government admission of the presence of dangerous individuals at the helm of Libyan security agencies,” highlighting their accusation of committing serious international crimes.
Magi pointed out that this issue is unsurprising for those who have deeply analyzed the execution of agreements between Italy and Libya in recent years, referencing reports from the International Criminal Court, the United Nations, and non-governmental organizations.
The lawmaker emphasized the urgent need to establish a parliamentary inquiry committee to uncover the details of the bilateral agreements’ implementation, stating, “It is unacceptable for the Italian government to provide resources, training, and significant assistance to Libyan agencies it itself describes as dangerous and criminal.”
Libya has been in chaos since a NATO-backed uprising toppled longtime leader Muammar Gaddafi in 2011. The county has for years been split between rival administrations.
Libya’s economy, heavily reliant on oil, has suffered due to the ongoing conflict. The instability has led to fluctuations in oil production and prices, impacting the global oil market and Libya’s economy.
The conflict has led to a significant humanitarian crisis in Libya, with thousands of people killed, and many more displaced. Migrants and refugees using Libya as a transit point to Europe have also faced dire conditions.
The planned elections for December 2021 were delayed due to disagreements over election laws and the eligibility of certain candidates. This delay has raised concerns about the feasibility of a peaceful political transition.
Despite the ceasefire, security remains a significant concern with sporadic fighting and the presence of mercenaries and foreign fighters. The unification of the military and the removal of foreign forces are crucial challenges.
