Italy recently released Osama Najim, a Libyan war crimes suspect, and sent him back to Libya, sparking controversy. Najim, also known as Almasri, was arrested in Turin under an International Criminal Court (ICC) warrant. He is accused of serious crimes, including war crimes, crimes against humanity, murder, and rape.

Najim is the head of Libya’s judicial police and oversees the Mitiga prison near Tripoli. This prison has been criticized by human rights groups for abuses such as torture, arbitrary detention, and mistreatment of migrants and political dissidents.

However, Najim was released just two days after his arrest due to a legal technicality. Italy’s Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi explained that Najim was deported to Libya for “state security” reasons, describing him as socially dangerous. He clarified that the court had not validated the arrest, prompting the expulsion.

The ICC has demanded an explanation for Najim’s release, but Italian officials have defended their decision. Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani dismissed the ICC’s authority, stating, “The ICC is not the word of God. Italy is a sovereign country and makes its own decisions.”

Italy’s relationship with Libya also plays a role in this situation. The Italian government relies on Libyan security forces to help control migration flows from North Africa to southern Italy, adding complexity to the case.