Key Takeaways:

• Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni is being investigated by prosecutors over the repatriation of Libyan warlord Ossama al-Masri, wanted by the ICC.
• Meloni and two other government ministers are accused of aiding and abetting al-Masri, who was released due to procedural technicalities.
• The investigation follows criticism from human rights groups and political opposition regarding the handling of al-Masri's arrest and expulsion.
• Meloni claims the investigation stems from political complaints, stating she will not be intimidated.
• Al-Masri faces severe accusations including war crimes and crimes against humanity connected to his actions in Libya.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, alongside two of her government ministers, is currently under investigation for her role in the repatriation of Ossama al-Masri, a Libyan warlord wanted by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for war crimes. The investigation was announced on Tuesday, with Meloni asserting her innocence regarding allegations of aiding and abetting al-Masri's release. In a social media post, she claimed the inquiry resulted from complaints made by political opponents.

The controversies surrounding al-Masri intensified after he was arrested in Turin on January 19, following an ICC warrant issued on January 18. However, he was expelled from Italy just two days later on January 21, after a local court declined to confirm his arrest on procedural grounds. The premier emphasized that her government acted in the interest of public safety when repatriating al-Masri, reinforcing that the warrant had not been processed through official channels in time.

Meloni expressed her discontent with the investigation, declaring, “I cannot be blackmailed. I will not be intimidated.” Alongside her, Justice Minister Carlo Nordio and Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi are also under scrutiny, as well as under-secretary Alfredo Mantovani. Piantedosi is expected to clarify his actions to the Senate, highlighting that al-Masri was deemed a potential security risk, which warranted immediate expulsion.

Ossama al-Masri leads the notorious Tripoli branch of the Reform and Rehabilitation Institution, a network implicated in numerous abuses during the Libyan civil war post-2011. The ICC detailed allegations against him, including murder, torture, and sexual violence in Libya's Mitiga prison, further complicating Italy's obligations to international justice. The court had previously emphasized the need for Italy to comply with cooperative arrangements when dealing with such warrants.

As political pressure mounts, this investigation not only challenges Meloni's administration but also highlights broader concerns regarding Italy's commitment to international human rights obligations.

For more detailed coverage, refer to CNN and LA Times.