Amid uproar, Italy supports the deportation of a Libyan war crimes suspect

Rome: Matteo Piantedosi, Italy’s interior minister, has justified the prompt deportation of Osama Elmasry Njeem, a Libyan war crimes suspect, on the grounds of his “social dangerousness.” Following legal issues, Njeem—who had been held in Turin on an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC)—was abruptly freed and returned to Tripoli, according to Al Jazeera.

As a brigadier general in Libya’s Judicial Police, Njeem—also known as Osama Almasri Njeem—is charged with war crimes and crimes against humanity, including rape, torture, and murder. Citing suspected crimes in the Mitiga Detention Centre in Tripoli, the ICC, located in The Hague, issued the warrant. Njeem was freed on Tuesday despite his detention on Sunday because of procedural concerns brought up by an Italian court.

“Given that the Libyan citizen displayed a profile of social dangerousness, I adopted an expulsion order for reasons of state security after the arrest was not validated,” Interior Minister Piantedosi said during a Senate meeting.

But according to Al Jazeera, opposition MPs blasted the administration for not upholding Italy’s commitments to the ICC and called for an open parliamentary session to discuss the issue.

Italy’s actions were criticized by the ICC, which pointed out that it had not been contacted prior to the deportation. “The court is not the word of God,” Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said, dismissing the allegation. It’s not always the font of truth. In highlighting Italy’s decision-making sovereignty, Tajani said, “Italy is a sovereign country, and we make our own decisions.”

After a ten-year break, direct flights between Rome and Tripoli resumed at the same time as Njeem’s detention and release. Rome depends on Libyan security forces to stop unauthorized migration from northern Africa to southern Italy, making their partnership important. Under Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s government, the two nations extended their bilateral agreement to support and train the Libyan coastguard.

The Rome appeals court had ordered Njeem’s release, citing procedural non-compliance in the arrest, Piantedosi said while discussing the case’s legal features. Members of the Special Deterrence Forces “committed by Njeem personally, ordered by him, or with his assistance, by members of the Special Deterrence Forces,” according to the ICC, according to Al Jazeera.

Piantedosi’s explanation did not satisfy the opposition parties. The administration was criticized by Green-Left Alliance Senator Giuseppe De Cristofaro, who said, “You are bringing our nation into complete disgrace. Although you discuss details, you have taken a clear political decision.

Amid the intense discussion over Italy’s compliance with international legal commitments, calls for Prime Minister Meloni to address parliament on the matter are only increasing.