**The article examines the implications of Meloni’s investigation both legally and politically, while also addressing the broader context of Italy's immigration strategy and relations with Libya.**
**Giorgia Meloni Faces Investigation Amid Controversial Repatriation of Libyan War Crimes Suspect**
**Giorgia Meloni Faces Investigation Amid Controversial Repatriation of Libyan War Crimes Suspect**
**Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni is under judicial scrutiny after allegations surrounding her administration's handling of a Libyan war crimes suspect, raising questions about immigration policies and political motives.**
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni announced she is under judicial investigation following the unexpected release of Libyan citizen Osama Najim, wanted for war crimes by the International Criminal Court (ICC). In a video message shared on social media, Meloni acknowledged prosecutors are investigating her for embezzlement and complicity in a crime.
Najim, also referred to as Almasri, is recognized as the head of Libya's judicial police and has been linked to a notorious detention facility in Mitiga, located near Tripoli. He was detained in Italy on January 21 but was released shortly after due to a "legal technicality," according to the Italian interior ministry. The ICC, stating it had not been consulted prior to Najim's release, promptly issued an arrest warrant, seeking clarification from Italian authorities.
In her address, Meloni explained that the Rome appeals court's release of Najim was based on the lack of a proper warrant sent to Italy's justice ministry. To prevent him from remaining on Italian soil, she said her government decided to expel him immediately via a special flight. Justice Minister Carlo Nordio claimed that Najim posed a "danger," a characterization that faced backlash from opposition figures.
The decision to release Najim has sparked significant criticism from opposition parties and human rights organizations, including Amnesty International, which condemned Najim for alleged "horrific violations." The sight of a jubilant crowd in Tripoli welcoming Najim as he stepped off the Italian plane further intensified public outrage.
Meloni disclosed that other high-ranking officials, including Nordio, Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi, and cabinet undersecretary for intelligence Alfredo Mantovano, are also under investigation. In Italy, being placed under investigation does not necessarily lead to formal charges.
In a defiant tone, she indicated that political motivations might underlie the investigation, noting that the lawyer behind the complaint was a former left-wing politician, and the leading prosecutor was involved in an unrelated inquiry concerning Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini. Meloni concluded her video by asserting that she will not be "blackmailed or intimidated," citing her commitment to protecting Italians and maintaining national security.
In response, Matteo Renzi from the opposition party Italy Alive accused Meloni of using the investigation to feed her "victim complex." As the leader of the far-right Brothers of Italy party, Meloni has led Italy's right-wing coalition since 2022 and has made immigration control a central pillar of her administration. Her government has worked with Libyan authorities and militias, providing resources aimed at tackling illegal immigration, including support for the Libyan coast guard in intercepting migrant boats.
