Italian authorities have launched an investigation into Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and several cabinet members following the release and expulsion of a Libyan agent sought by the International Criminal Court (ICC). Meloni disclosed the investigation herself, stating prosecutors suspect her of embezzlement and complicity in a crime, via a video message on Instagram.
The investigation also involves Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi and Justice Minister Carlo Nordio. The case concerns Osama al-Masri Njeem, accused of war crimes by the ICC during his tenure as head of militia prisons in Tripoli.
Njeem was detained in Turin but released and deported to Libya instead of being extradited to the ICC, causing irritation at the ICC and disbelief among Italian opposition politicians. Minister Piantedosi cited “urgent security reasons” for the expulsion, deeming Njeem a “danger,” but did not explain the refusal to hand him over to the ICC.
In her video message, Meloni asserted her resilience, stating, “I will not be blackmailed or intimidated, which is why I am not favored by those who oppose the change and improvement of Italy.” She noted that the prosecutor in her case is the same one who brought charges against Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini, who was acquitted last month for blocking a migrant ship.
Source: NOS