Italian prosecutors have referred a complaint by a torture victim to the Tribunal of Ministers, questioning why Libya’s judicial police chief, Osama Najim, known as Almasri, was released after his arrest in Turin. Almasri was detained in January on an International Criminal Court (ICC) warrant for war crimes and crimes against humanity but was flown back to Libya two days later.
The case has sparked political controversy in Italy. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Justice Minister Carlo Nordio, Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi, and intelligence undersecretary Alfredo Mantovano are under investigation,according to ANSA newspaper.
Italian Attorney Luigi Li Gotti filed a criminal complaint against them, accusing them of aiding Almasri’s return to Libya, where he received a hero’s welcome.
Almasri is accused of overseeing torture, rape, and murder at a Libyan detention centre. He was arrested on January 19 after attending a Juventus football match in Turin. However, he was released due to what Nordio called “errors” in the ICC warrant. Piantedosi defended the decision, stating Almasri posed a security risk to Italy.
The Tribunal of Ministers has requested case documents from Italy’s justice and interior ministries. Meanwhile, the Lower House debated a no-confidence motion against Nordio over his handling of the case.
Li Gotti claims Italian officials not only enabled Almasri to continue his crimes at Tripoli’s Mitiga Prison but also misused public funds by using a secret service plane for his return. The ICC has demanded an explanation for Italy’s failure to extradite him to The Hague.
According to the charges, Almasri allegedly tortured and killed migrants and raped a five-year-old boy. The case has intensified scrutiny on Italy’s cooperation with international justice.
