The International Criminal Court (ICC) has demanded an explanation from Italy following the release of Libyan police chief Njeem Osama Almasri Habish, who is wanted for war crimes. Almasri was freed and flown back to Libya on Tuesday due to what authorities described as a procedural issue.
The ICC issued a statement detailing Almasri’s arrest in Turin on 19 January. He was detained pending transfer to The Hague. However, on 21 January, without consulting the ICC, Italian authorities allowed the release of the Libyan Police Chief, allowing his return to Libya. “The Court is seeking, and has not yet received, verification from the authorities on the steps taken,” the ICC noted.
The Libyan commander, who also serves as director of Tripoli’s Mitiga detention centre, is accused of overseeing the abuse of migrants. Rights groups claim detainees at the facility have suffered arbitrary imprisonment, torture, and rape. Almasri faces charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity, with judicial sources suggesting a potential life sentence.
The release has provoked outrage among Italian opposition parties, who are demanding answers from Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. Nicola Fratoianni of the Green-Left Alliance (AVS) called the situation “an unprecedented gravity”. They accused the government of complicity in returning “a war criminal” to Libya via a state flight. Opposition leaders, including Democratic Party (PD) head Elly Schlein, are urging Meloni to address the issue in parliament. Meanwhile, AVS has called for Justice Minister Carlo Nordio’s resignation.
Criticism has also come from former Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte, leader of M5S, who said Meloni and Nordio must “urgently explain why they undermined international justice.” Riccardo Magi of Più Europa accused the government of “showing weakness by aiding a man accused of grave crimes.”
Procedural flaws necessitated release – Tajani
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani defended the government, suggesting procedural flaws necessitated Almasri’s release. Tajani attributed the situation to miscommunication between justice officials and promised adherence to legal protocols. Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi is expected to provide further details during a Senate session on Thursday.
According to reports, a Rome court of appeal ordered Almasri’s release because authorities failed to consult the justice minister prior to his arrest. The Libyan official was initially apprehended on Sunday after attending a Juventus-Milan football match in Turin. The ICC had alerted Italian authorities about his presence in the country on the day the arrest warrant was issued.
Videos shared on social media showed Almasri’s jubilant return to Tripoli, where supporters celebrated his release. This development has drawn attention to Italy’s controversial agreement with Libya to curb illegal migration. Critics argue the deal enables the detention and abuse of migrants intercepted by the Libyan coast guard, which receives financial and logistical support from Italy.
