Home Europe Criticism mounts as Italy frees Libyan warlord facing ICC war crimes charges

Criticism mounts as Italy frees Libyan warlord facing ICC war crimes charges

by editor

Italian authorities are facing significant backlash following the controversial release of Ossama Anjiem, also known as Ossama al-Masri, a Libyan warlord arrested under an International Criminal Court (ICC) warrant for war crimes and crimes against humanity. His release occurred on a technicality after an appeals court in Rome intervened.

Al-Masri was apprehended on Sunday in Turin, where he was detained due to serious allegations stemming from his role as the head of the Tripoli branch of the Reform and Rehabilitation Institution. This network, notorious for its involvement in human rights violations at Mitiga prison, has been implicated in severe abuses since 2011.

Technicality leads to unexpected release

On Tuesday, a ruling by Rome’s court of appeals mandated al-Masri’s immediate release, citing a procedural error that occurred during his arrest. The court specified that Justice Minister Carlo Nordio should have been notified prior to the arrest, as his ministry is responsible for all dealings with the ICC.

“As a result, the conditions for validation are not met and, consequently, a request aimed at the application of the precautionary measure results in the immediate release of the person received,”

the court order detailed, as reported by ANSA.

During a pre-scheduled Senate appearance on Wednesday, Minister Nordio faced sharp criticism from opposition lawmakers. Former Prime Minister Matteo Renzi expressed outrage, accusing the government of hypocrisy. Renzi pointed out the paradox of the right-wing administration’s stance against human trafficking while facilitating the return of a known war criminal to Libya.

“But when a trafficker whom the International Criminal Court tells us is a dangerous criminal lands on your table, it’s not like you chase him down; you brought him home to Libya with a plane of the Italian secret services,”

Renzi stated, highlighting the government’s contradictory actions. The uproar also included demands for clarity and accountability regarding al-Masri’s release.

Implications for Italy’s migration policies

Al-Masri’s return to Libya was met with jubilation from his supporters at Tripoli’s Mitiga airport, further complicating Italy’s already delicate relationship with the Libyan government. The Democratic Party has called for Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni to address parliament concerning the case, asserting that it raises serious concerns regarding the treatment of detainees in Libyan prisons.

Italy’s close connection with Libya and its financial support to the Libyan coast guard, aimed at halting migrant departures, are under scrutiny. Human rights organizations have accused Italy of complicity in the mistreatment of migrants detained in Libyan facilities.

“It’s critical to understand why al-Masri was in Italy and why he was freed with such urgency despite the international arrest warrant,”

said Paolo Ciani, a Democratic lawmaker, indicating that political motivations might have influenced this decision.

Two humanitarian organizations, Mediterranea Saving Humans and Refugees in Libya, voiced their disbelief over Italy’s decision to release al-Masri, calling it shameful and brazen. They expressed concern over the potential continuation of his criminal activities following his release.

Libyan activist Tarik Lamloum from the Belaady Organization for Human Rights suggested that the release was anticipated, highlighting the influence of militias controlling migrant routes in Libya. These groups, interconnected with state forces tasked with intercepting migrants, have allegedly benefitted from European funding aimed at curbing migration.

The ICC prosecutor’s office has yet to comment on the incident, while a spokesman for the European Commission reaffirmed that EU member states are committed to cooperating with the court.

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