Italy’s Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi justified the swift deportation of a Libyan war crimes suspect, detained under an International Criminal Court (ICC) warrant, citing concerns over his “social dangerousness.” The decision has sparked criticism and demands for clarity from opposition lawmakers.
Osama Elmasry Njeem, also known as Osama Almasri Njeem, was arrested in Turin on Sunday under an ICC warrant alleging involvement in crimes against humanity, including murder, torture, and rape at Libya’s Mitiga prison. However, Njeem was unexpectedly released on Tuesday due to what Italian authorities described as a procedural technicality and was subsequently deported to Tripoli aboard a state aircraft.
In a parliamentary address, Piantedosi explained that Njeem’s expulsion was carried out for reasons of state security after the Rome appeals court deemed his arrest non-compliant with Italian legal procedures. The court’s ruling reportedly stemmed from a failure by local police to promptly inform the Justice Ministry of Njeem’s detention.
The ICC criticized Italy’s actions, stating it was not consulted before Njeem’s release and reiterating that he is wanted for crimes directly perpetrated or ordered by him through Libya’s Special Deterrence Forces.
Njeem, a brigadier general in Libya’s Judicial Police, is accused of overseeing atrocities at Mitiga prison, including abuse of detainees. His deportation has raised questions about Italy’s relationship with Libya, a key partner in preventing migrant departures to Europe.
Opposition lawmakers have condemned the government’s handling of the case, accusing Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s administration of prioritizing political considerations over international justice.
“You have plunged Italy into disgrace. This is not about technicalities but a deliberate political choice,” said Senator Giuseppe De Cristofaro of the Green-Left Alliance, calling for Meloni to address the issue in parliament.
The incident underscores tensions between Italy’s domestic security policies and its obligations to international law.