Alleged Almasri Victims Seek Answers from Meloni on Release
Rome: A spokesperson for the NGO Refugees in Libya questioned government officials regarding the release of Libyan judicial police commander Najeem Osama Almasri Habish during a press conference held by opposition members at the Lower House. The spokesperson, David Yambio of Sudan, emphasized that the organization, which represents the “survivors and victims” of Almasri, demanded an end to the agreements between Italy and Libya that allegedly allow abuses against migrants.
According to Ansa News Agency, Refugees in Libya, established in Italy last year to represent refugees, asylum seekers, and migrants, also called for a “public commitment” from the Italian government. They requested the government to seek the release of those still detained in Mitiga and other centers and to provide an official explanation for Almasri’s release instead of his extradition to the International Criminal Court (ICC). Almasri had been arrested by Italian authorities on an ICC warrant but was later released and returned to Libya.
The International Criminal Court has asked Italy for clarification on the matter, highlighting that Almasri allegedly led Tripoli’s Mitiga detention center, where migrants endured torture and were forced to fight. Almasri is suspected of crimes against humanity and war crimes, including murder and torture, from February 2015 onwards. Several refugees at the press conference recounted their experiences of torture and abuse by Almasri, with some displaying photos of their escape attempts from Mitiga.
Lam Magok, one of the refugees, shared his harrowing experience, stating, “Almasri hit us, he tortured us for days,” and described being forced to move the bodies of deceased individuals at the camp. Magok expressed shock at Almasri’s return to Libya and called for justice.
The press conference, organized by the Green-Left Alliance (AVS), was attended by key figures such as Italian Left (SI) leader Nicola Fratoianni, Democratic Party (PD) leader Elly Schlein, +Europa leader Riccardo Magi, and centrist Italia Viva (IV) lawmaker Maria Elena Boschi. Italy’s agreement with Libya, which provides aid to the Libyan coast guard in exchange for cooperation against illegal migration, has faced criticism from NGOs for allegedly enabling illegal pushbacks. Intercepted individuals often end up in detention facilities where they face harsh conditions and abuse.