Italy’s Lower House Prosecution Authorizations Committee has rejected a request to prosecute senior ministers in connection with the controversial release of Libyan General Osama Najim Almasri, who is wanted by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for alleged war crimes, according to Italy’s ANSA newspaper.
The request, sent by the Rome Tribunal of Ministers, sought to authorise charges against Justice Minister Carlo Nordio, Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi, and Cabinet Secretary Alfredo Mantovano. The case centred on Italy’s decision to release Almasri after his arrest in Turin on 19 January, where he was held under an ICC warrant. Just two days later, a Rome appeals court ordered his release, citing procedural issues, and he was flown back to Tripoli on a State aircraft.
Almasri faces accusations of torture, rape, and murder linked to his tenure as head of a detention centre in Tripoli. On Tuesday, Libyan authorities confirmed he had been removed from his role as head of the judicial police and replaced by General Suleiman Ajaj. The move reportedly followed a decision by General Abdul Fattah Dubub, the newly appointed head of judicial police, who launched a restructuring aimed at restoring Libya’s international reputation.
The Tribunal of Ministers alleged that Italian officials acted out of concern for possible reprisals against Italian citizens and interests in Libya if Almasri was extradited to the ICC. Nordio, Piantedosi, and Mantovano were accused of aiding and abetting his return and of neglecting their official duties.
Premier Giorgia Meloni has defended her ministers, calling the prosecution request “absurd” and affirming that cabinet decisions are collective. The case against her was formally dropped in August, though a lawyer representing one of Almasri’s alleged victims has appealed that decision.
With parliament’s vote scheduled for 9 October and Meloni’s coalition holding a firm majority, prosecution remains unlikely.
