Giorgia Meloni Investigated for Italy’s Release of Libyan Wanted for War Crimes

Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni of Italy announced on Tuesday that she was being investigated by Italian prosecutors for her alleged role in aiding and abetting the release last week of a Libyan official wanted for war crimes.

The case focused on the arrest and quick release by Italy of Osama Elmasry Njeem, the director of several Libyan prisons known for their inhumane conditions.

Last week, the Italian police arrested Mr. Njeem in a Turin hotel room after an international arrest warrant was issued by the International Criminal Court in The Hague. Mr. Njeem was wanted for crimes against humanity, including murder, torture, rape and sexual violence.

Shortly after he was arrested, Mr. Njeem was released for what the Italian authorities called a procedural issue. He was then taken back to Libya on a government plane.

His release set off an outcry by human rights groups and opposition leaders, who accused Ms. Meloni of cozying up to the Libyan authorities because Italy relied on Libya to keep migrants away from Italian shores.

The International Criminal Court also objected, issuing a statement recalling “the duty of all States Parties to cooperate fully with the Court in its investigations and prosecutions of crimes.” It said it had asked the Italian authorities to clarify their actions.

Ms. Meloni said in a video that she posted on social media on Tuesday that Mr. Njeem had been released because the I.C.C.’s arrest warrant had not been transmitted to the Italian justice ministry, making the arrest invalid.

Ms. Meloni said that Mr. Njeem was then expelled and taken back to Libya because of security reasons.

“I cannot be blackmailed,” she said. “I will not let myself be intimidated.”

Ms. Meloni said Rome’s chief prosecutor, Francesco Lo Voi, was also investigating Italy’s justice minister, Carlo Nordio; Italy’s interior minister, Matteo Piantedosi; and an under secretary, Alfredo Mantovano.

Mr. Nordio and Mr. Piantedosi are scheduled to speak to parliament on Wednesday about the case.