Italy's Controversial Release of Libyan Warlord Accused of War Crimes Sparks Outrage

Human rights organisations and Italian opposition politicians expressed anger after Italy released a Libyan warlord due to a technicality. The warlord, Ossama Anjiem, also known as Ossama al-Masri, was arrested on an International Criminal Court (ICC) warrant for war crimes and crimes against humanity. Italian Justice Minister Carlo Nordio faced questions about the release but did not provide details or reaffirm Italy's commitment to international justice.

Al-Masri, who leads the Tripoli branch of the Reform and Rehabilitation Institution, was arrested in Turin after attending a Juventus-Milan football match. The ICC warrant, dated January 18, accuses him of crimes committed in Libya's Mitiga prison since 2011. These charges could lead to a life sentence. However, Rome's court of appeals ordered his release due to a procedural error in his arrest.

Italian Government Faces Criticism

The appeals court stated that Nordio should have been informed beforehand since the justice ministry manages relations with The Hague-based court. Al-Masri returned to Tripoli on an Italian secret services aircraft and was welcomed by supporters at Mitiga airport. Footage showed young men celebrating his release by carrying him on their shoulders.

Opposition lawmakers demanded clarity on the situation. Former Premier Matteo Renzi criticised the government for hypocrisy, given its stance against human traffickers. "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.

Concerns Over Italy's Actions

The Democratic Party called for Premier Giorgia Meloni to address parliament about the case, highlighting "grave questions" due to known abuses in Libyan prisons linked to Al-Masri. Italy's close ties with Tripoli's government could complicate matters if al-Masri faces trial in The Hague, potentially drawing attention to Italy's migration policies and support for Libya's coast guard.

Human rights groups have documented severe abuses in Libyan detention centres where migrants are held and accused Italy of complicity in their mistreatment. "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 Democratic lawmaker Paolo Ciani.

International Reactions

Two humanitarian groups, Mediterranea Saving Humans and Refugees in Libya, expressed disbelief over al-Masri's release. They stated that survivors had hoped for justice and prevention of further crimes by al-Masri. "Instead, in recent days we have witnessed something shameful, unbelievable in how brazenly it has been conducted," they said.

Tarik Lamloum from Belaady Organization for Human Rights noted that militias controlling migrant flows pressured Italy into releasing al-Masri. These militias are part of state forces intercepting migrants at sea and running detention centres where abuses occur. They benefit from EU funds aimed at stopping migrant flows to Europe.

Amnesty International's Stance

Amnesty International criticised Italy for not handing over al-Masri to the ICC immediately, stating that procedural errors were no excuse. "The failure of the Italian authorities to follow internal procedures is not a valid reason for not fulfilling their obligations" as an ICC member, Amnesty said.

The ICC prosecutors office did not comment on the situation. However, an EU Commission spokesman reiterated that all EU members had pledged cooperation with the court. "We respect the court's impartiality and we are fully attached to international criminal justice to combat impunity," said spokesman Anouar El Anouni.

The EU leaders reaffirmed their commitment at a 2023 summit "to cooperate fully with the court, including rapid execution of any pending arrests," El Anouni added.