Italy’s Justice Minister, Carlo Nordio, survived a no-confidence motion on Wednesday over his handling of the arrest, release, and return of Libyan judicial police chief General Osama Najim, who is wanted by the International Criminal Court (ICC).
The Italian Lower House rejected the motion with 215 votes against and 119 in favour, while the centrist opposition party Azione abstained, distancing itself from the rest of the centre-left opposition.
The controversy erupted after Najim’s arrest in Turin on 19 January under an ICC warrant. However, he was released just two days later and returned to Libya on a state flight, sparking criticism over Italy’s handling of the case.
Nordio defended himself in Parliament, arguing that the motion was an attempt to derail his planned judicial reforms, which include separating the career paths of judges and prosecutors and modifying the election system of the Superior Council of the Judiciary.
He also denied delaying his response to Rome’s appeals court, which ultimately ruled in favour of Najim’s release. Nordio accused his critics of engaging in a political “inquisition”, rejecting claims of misconduct.
The case has raised concerns about Italy’s commitment to international legal cooperation, particularly with the ICC, as well as its broader relationship with Libyan authorities. The issue remains politically sensitive, given Libya’s strategic role in migration control and energy cooperation with Italy.
