Meloni faces probe over ICC suspect’s release

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has confirmed she is the subject of a judicial investigation regarding the controversial release of an International Criminal Court (ICC) suspect.

The probe, led by Rome’s Chief Prosecutor Francesco Lo Voi, centres on the government’s decision to release Osama Najim and his subsequent repatriation to Libya on a state aircraft.

In a detailed social media statement, Meloni addressed allegations of complicity and misappropriation of public funds. The Prime Minister maintained her position was not under threat, emphasising that an investigation neither implies guilt nor necessitates formal charges.

The investigation encompasses several cabinet members, including Justice Minister Carlo Nordio, Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi and Intelligence Undersecretary Alfredo Mantovano. The probe was reportedly triggered by a complaint from prominent solicitor Luigi Le Gotti, who challenged both the legality of Najim’s release and the use of state resources for his return to Tripoli.

Defending her administration’s actions, Meloni highlighted that Najim had freely traversed three European nations over 12 days before arriving in Italy. She noted that the ICC’s arrest request came only after his entry into Italian territory.

“What I did was a necessary act,” Le Gotti told Reuters on Tuesday. “I did it as a matter of dignity for human rights and for all Italian citizens.”

The case has gained additional significance following the Interior Minister’s parliamentary address last week, where he cited unspecified “state security concerns” as justification for Najim’s expedited repatriation.

The affair has ignited fresh debate over the balance between national sovereignty and international legal obligations, particularly regarding ICC warrants and state security protocols.