Prosecutors in Rome have launched a formal investigation into Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, along with two government ministers, over their involvement in the repatriation of a Libyan warlord who is wanted by the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague. The investigation concerns the handling of Ossama Anjiem, also known as Ossama al-Masri, a prominent figure accused of war crimes and crimes against humanity in Libya.
The investigation was publicly revealed by Prime Minister Meloni herself in a video posted on social media, where she confirmed that she, along with Italy’s Justice Minister Carlo Nordio, Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi, and an undersecretary, are being probed for their roles in facilitating the repatriation of al-Masri.
Al-Masri, a former commander in the Libyan National Army and a key figure in the country’s ongoing civil conflict, had been arrested in Italy in late 2022 in the northern city of Turin. His arrest followed an ICC warrant issued for his alleged involvement in a series of atrocities, including torture, extrajudicial killings, and other grave violations of international law committed during the Libyan civil war.

However, in what has sparked widespread outrage both domestically and internationally, al-Masri was released after a legal challenge and a ruling that he was detained unlawfully on a technicality. Critics, including opposition politicians, human rights organizations, and officials from the ICC, have condemned his release, arguing that it undermines international justice and could set a dangerous precedent for other war criminals seeking refuge in countries that are signatories to the Rome Statute, the treaty that established the ICC.
The case has become a political flashpoint in Italy, with accusations that the Meloni government may have interfered in the judicial process to prevent al-Masri’s extradition to the ICC. Human rights groups, including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, have demanded a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding his release and have urged the Italian government to comply with its international obligations to cooperate with the ICC.
The situation has also drawn sharp criticism from the international community, with some experts expressing concern that Italy’s actions could damage its reputation as a supporter of international justice. The ICC, which was established to prosecute individuals for crimes such as genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity, has emphasized the importance of ensuring that individuals facing serious charges are held accountable, regardless of their nationality or status.
The investigation into Meloni and her ministers is expected to fuel ongoing debates about Italy’s role in international justice, as well as the government’s approach to handling controversial cases involving individuals wanted by the ICC. As the investigation unfolds, the Italian government faces increasing pressure to clarify its position on international law and its commitments to upholding justice for victims of war crimes.