ICC questions Italy over release of Libyan suspect

The International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague is seeking clarification from Italy on the apparent release of a Libyan national, Osama al-Masri Njeem, suspected of war crimes. Njeem is accused by the ICC of committing numerous crimes as the head of militia-run prisons in Tripoli, Libya, involving murder, rape, and torture.

He was arrested by Italian police on Sunday, allegedly having traveled to Italy to attend a Juventus vs. AC Milan football match.

An arrest warrant had been issued a day prior. However, on Tuesday evening, images surfaced purportedly showing Njeem returning to Libya on an Italian government plane.

The Italian Ministry of the Interior told Reuters that he had to be released due to a failure by the police to notify the Ministry of Justice. The ICC emphasized Italy’s obligation to cooperate on war crimes cases, indicating prior agreements with Italian authorities that the ICC would be informed of any issues related to Njeem’s arrest, which reportedly has not occurred.

The release has sparked political discontent in Italy, with former Prime Minister Renzi criticizing the government and the opposition demanding an explanation from Prime Minister Meloni.

Source: NOS

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