ICC Launches Investigation into Italian Government Actions in Almasri Case – Media
The Hague: The International Criminal Court (ICC) has initiated an investigation into the Italian government’s alleged interference in the administration of justice concerning the release and subsequent return of Libyan general Osama Almasri to Libya. This move follows his arrest by Italian authorities on January 19 based on an ICC warrant, according to the online edition of the Avvenire newspaper.
According to Ansa News Agency, the ICC is examining whether the Italian government’s actions violated article 70 of the Rome Statute, which addresses offenses against the administration of justice. Almasri, the former head of the Libyan judicial police, is wanted by the ICC for alleged crimes against humanity and war crimes, including murder, torture, rape, and sexual violence reportedly committed in Libya since February 2015. His release has led to significant controversy and prompted the ICC to seek further clarification.
The investigation was triggered by a complaint filed by a Sudanese refugee against Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni, Justice Minister Carlo Nordio, and Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi, as reported by Avvenire. The refugee had previously informed international investigators in 2019 about alleged torture experienced by him and his wife at the hands of Almasri during their detention in Libya.
In his 23-page complaint, the refugee, a Sudanese citizen from Darfur who has been granted asylum in France, detailed numerous crimes he and others allegedly suffered. Avvenire noted that in 2019, the man provided substantial evidence to the Hague prosecutor’s office implicating high-ranking European Union and Italian officials in facilitating crimes against humanity in Libya. His testimony was included in the court documents linked to Almasri’s arrest warrant.
The report by Avvenire also highlighted that the refugee’s legal team is working to amend the initial complaint, which contained errors, such as the duration of Almasri’s stay in Italy. The Libyan general was in Italy from January 18 until January 22, when he was returned to Libya by an Italian secret services plane after being released by Rome’s appeals court on a technicality.
The prosecution, which lists Meloni, Nordio, and Piantedosi as ‘suspects,’ accuses the Italian government officials of failing to hand over Almasri to the ICC, thereby misusing their executive powers and violating international and national obligations. This alleged breach pertains particularly to article 70 of the Rome Statute, which outlines measures against those obstructing international justice. Under this article, the ICC holds jurisdiction over intentional offenses against its administration of justice, including interference with witness testimony or attendance.