Italy releases Libyan wanted for alleged war crimes

The Italian government is facing strong criticism from opposition parties and non-governmental organizations for releasing Osama Najim, the head of the Libyan judicial police. Najim, who was wanted by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity, had previously been arrested in Italy. His release has sparked widespread controversy, with various parties demanding a reasonable explanation from the Italian government.

Osama Najim, also known as Almasri, is also the director of a notorious detention center near Mitiga, Tripoli. Amnesty International has pointed out that the center is rife with "appalling human rights abuses with impunity." According to Italian media citing sources within the Ministry of Interior, Najim was released due to legal technicalities. The International Criminal Court stated that Italy released Najim "without prior notification or consultation with the Court" and has reissued an arrest warrant for him.

Najim was arrested last Saturday in Turin while watching a Juventus vs. Milan football match. He was subsequently flown back to Libya on an Italian government flight on Tuesday night. Pictures released by local media showed him being welcomed with cheers and fireworks. Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera reported that sources within the International Criminal Court had already been concerned that Italy might release him shortly after his arrest.

The Italian opposition has expressed strong outrage over the release, while Rome has yet to comment. Former Prime Minister and leader of the centrist opposition party, Matteo Renzi, demanded that Justice Minister Carlo Nordio "explain his decision to parliamentarians." Arturo Scotto of the Democratic Party (PD) called Najim a "Libyan mafia boss" and emphasized that Italy, as a signatory to the International Criminal Court, must abide by international treaties. Libyan writer and journalist Khalil Elhassi believes that Italy should explain to the Libyan people why it released "an extremely dangerous criminal" who is "known for his involvement in the torture of Libyans and migrants."

Two non-governmental organizations working with migrants, Mediterranea Saving Humans and Refugees in Libya, expressed their "shock" at Najim's release. In a statement, they said, "Some of us have suffered torture in the Mitiga camp," adding that "any crimes committed against (detainees) will fall on the conscience of those who protect and release criminals like (Najim)." Amnesty International pointed out that Najim has led the judicial police department at the Mitiga prison since 2016 and has served as the director of the Libyan judicial police reform and rehabilitation agency, overseeing other prisons, since 2021.

Libya has been divided since the overthrow of Muammar Gaddafi in 2011, and is currently controlled by two rival governments and militia groups. Right-wing Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has visited Libya several times and signed agreements with Tripoli. In October of this year, she stated that there is "deep cooperation" between the two countries and that they are working together to combat illegal immigration. However, for years, successive Italian governments have cooperated with Libyan authorities and militias, providing them with financial and technical support under controversial agreements to address illegal immigration, including providing training and funding to the Libyan coast guard, which is responsible for intercepting migrant boats.

As part of the agreement, Libya is expected to help reduce the number of migrants passing through the country and arriving in Italy. People intercepted by the coast guard and brought back to shore are often held in detention camps, where they suffer inhumane treatment and poor conditions. Earlier this month, Italy released an Iranian engineer, Mohammad Abedini, who was detained for allegedly providing drone technology that led to the deaths of U.S. soldiers. It is believed that Abedini's release was linked to the case of Italian journalist Cecilia Sala, who was released from a Tehran prison a few days earlier.