Almasri Victim’s Complaint Sent to Ministers Tribunal

Rome: Rome prosecutors have sent the complaint of a victim of alleged torture by Osama Almasri to the Tribunal of Ministers, which is examining the circumstances surrounding the release of the Libyan judicial police chief by Italy. Almasri was arrested in Turin in January on an International Criminal Court (ICC) warrant for war crimes and crimes against humanity. However, he was released and returned to Libya shortly after, prompting scrutiny of Italy’s actions. Premier Giorgia Meloni, Justice Minister Carlo Nordio, Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi, and Cabinet Undersecretary Alfredo Mantovano are currently under investigation following a criminal complaint filed by attorney Luigi Li Gotti.

According to Ansa News Agency, Almasri, who is accused of torturing, raping, and murdering migrants at a detention center, was apprehended by Italian security police after attending a Juventus soccer match on January 19. He was released on a technicality and returned to Libya two days later, where he received a hero’s welcome. Justice Minister Nordio attributed the release to errors in the ICC warrants, describing them as a “mess,” while Interior Minister Piantedosi claimed Almasri was expelled from Italy due to being a security threat.

The complaint, filed on February 3 by Lam Magok Biel Ruei, a Sudanese victim and witness of Almasri’s alleged acts, has prompted the Tribunal of Ministers to request pertinent documents from the justice and interior ministries. Meanwhile, the Italian Lower House is engaged in a debate over a motion of no confidence in Nordio’s handling of the case.

Li Gotti, a former justice undersecretary and ex-neofascist militant, accused Italian officials, including Meloni, of aiding Almasri in continuing his criminal activities by allowing his return to Tripoli’s Mitiga Prison. Furthermore, he alleged the misuse of public funds, claiming that a secret service plane was used for Almasri’s transportation back to Libya.

The ICC has sought an explanation from Italy regarding its decision not to extradite Almasri to The Hague. The charge sheet against Almasri includes accusations of torture, murder, and the rape of a five-year-old boy.