Italy’s justice minister strongly defended the government's decision to repatriate a Libyan warlord wanted by the International Criminal Court, saying Wednesday that the court itself had made an "immense mess” of the case by issuing a contradictory and flawed arrest warrant.

Migrants have criticized Italy for releasing a Libyan officer accused of war crimes, citing betrayal and fear. Arrested in Italy, Osama Elmasry Njeem was freed due to a procedural error. The incident has raised concerns over Italy’s reliance on Libyan security forces amid allegations of human rights abuses.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni says she has been placed under judicial investigation over Italy's surprise release of a Libyan citizen who had been wanted for war crimes by the International Criminal Court (ICC).

Italy's justice minister said on Wednesday Rome had no choice but to free a Libyan military officer wanted for war crimes by the International Criminal Court because of what he described as mistakes and inaccuracies in the court's arrest warrant.

Rome's decision to release Osama Almasri Najim drew condemnation from Italian opposition parties, NGOs and the ICC.

Carlo Nordio argued that the ICC’s arrest warrant contained contradictions and procedural flaws, leading Italy’s courts to order Ossama al-Masri’s release. View on euronews