Thu Feb 13 09:28:33 UTC 2025: ## Italian Government Faces Backlash After Releasing Libyan Official Accused of War Crimes

**Rome, Italy** – The Italian government is facing intense criticism after releasing Osama “Al Masri” Njeem, Libya’s Chief of Judicial Police, who was arrested on an International Criminal Court (ICC) warrant. Njeem was flown back to Libya on an Italian government plane just two days after his arrest on January 19th.

The Italian government cited “inaccuracies” in the ICC warrant as the reason for his release. However, the ICC accuses Njeem of numerous crimes against humanity and war crimes, including murder, torture, rape, and sexual violence, allegedly committed since February 2015 while overseeing Libyan detention centers. These centers, Amnesty International reports, have been sites of horrific human rights abuses.

Two former detainees, David Yambio and Lam Magok, both South Sudanese refugees, gave harrowing accounts to Al Jazeera of witnessing Njeem’s brutality firsthand, including beatings, killings, and forced labor within the prisons under his control. Their testimonies corroborate existing reports from human rights organizations detailing the systematic abuse of prisoners in Libyan detention facilities.

The release has sparked outrage among human rights groups and Italian political figures. Former Prime Minister Matteo Renzi called the decision “crazy” and “hypocritical,” while Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni is now under judicial investigation for her role in the affair. The Italian Interior Minister, Matteo Piantedosi, initially stated Njeem’s release was due to the danger he posed to Italian society, later clarifying it was a “legal technicality.”

This incident follows a similar case in August 2023, when Khalifa Haftar’s son, Saddam Haftar, was briefly detained in Italy before being released despite a Spanish arrest warrant for weapons smuggling. Both Haftars have been linked to numerous human rights abuses.

Critics argue that Italy’s actions demonstrate a willingness to prioritize migration control over upholding international law and accountability for human rights violations. The Italian government’s support for Libyan authorities, including financial aid for the Libyan Coast Guard, which has also been implicated in human rights abuses, further fuels concerns. The situation highlights a complex interplay between Italy’s migration policies, its relationships with Libyan authorities, and its obligations under international law. The ICC and human rights groups are demanding a thorough investigation and accountability for those responsible for the atrocities committed in Libyan detention facilities.

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