Meloni under Fire for Releasing ‘War Criminal’

Critics have raised alarms over Italy’s recent release of Osama Najim, a Libyan police chief wanted by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for alleged war crimes. The move has prompted accusations that Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni is prioritizing diplomatic relations with Tripoli over justice for the victims of Najim’s alleged actions during his time at the notorious Mitiga prison in Libya.

Human rights activists have condemned the decision, arguing that Italy’s actions amount to complicity in the abuse of migrants and refugees detained in Libyan camps. Victims of Najim’s alleged crimes have expressed their dismay, accusing Italy of undermining their hopes for justice.

Amid growing backlash, Luigi Li Gotti, a lawyer and former justice ministry official, has filed a legal complaint, leading to an investigation into Meloni for aiding and abetting a crime. The case also implicates other senior officials, including Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi and Justice Minister Carlo Nordio.

In a video message last week, Meloni acknowledged the ongoing investigation but implied that it was part of a leftwing vendetta against her. “I am not blackmailable, I am not intimidated. Onwards and upwards,” Meloni said on social media.

Li Gotti has sharply criticized the release, questioning why Italy returned an alleged war criminal despite the ICC warrant. “Why did we give back this criminal who used such vicious methods?” he asked.

Najim, who holds multiple citizenships including Turkish and Dominican, arrived in Europe from Tripoli on January 6, making brief stops in Rome, London, Brussels, and Germany before his arrest in Italy on January 19. The ICC had issued arrest warrants in six EU states, including Italy, for his involvement in alleged crimes. However, the arrest was only confirmed after Najim’s release and deportation.

While the Italian government initially issued a vague statement on the arrest, Meloni later defended the decision, claiming Najim was expelled due to his threat to Italy’s national security. This explanation has done little to quell public outrage.

“I was appalled by everything that was happening,” Li Gotti said, expressing disbelief that Najim was allowed to return to Libya, where he could continue his alleged crimes.

Meloni has also faced criticism for Italy’s dealings with Libya, its former colony. The Italian government’s political and business interests in Libya—particularly regarding migration control agreements—have raised suspicions that these factors may have influenced the decision to release Najim.

Nello Scavo, an Italian journalist who has extensively reported on the case, suggested that Italy’s actions could be linked to pressures from Libya, a former colony, which could have blackmailed Italy through its control over migrant boats.

Scavo noted that the release of Najim also signals Libya’s growing influence over Italy, particularly in the context of the Mattei plan, which seeks to strengthen European ties with Africa in exchange for stricter migration controls.

Despite the scandal, legal experts suggest that Meloni is unlikely to face trial, given her government’s strong majority in parliament. However, the investigation has sparked ongoing debate over Italy’s handling of the case and its broader foreign policy strategies. Christopher Hein, a professor of immigration law, warned that the scandal could be overshadowed by political distractions, preventing a full reckoning with what happened in the Najim case.