Sorry Almasri Freed Due to Formal Mistake Says Nordio

ROME: Justice Minister Carlo Nordio on Thursday expressed regret over the release of Libyan general Osama Almasri, which occurred due to a formal mistake by the International Criminal Court (ICC). The court had issued an international arrest warrant against Almasri, the judicial police chief, for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity. Nordio emphasized that courts must adhere to rules and regulations.

According to Ansa News Agency, Nordio conveyed his desire for individuals who have committed crimes to face judgment and, if found guilty, to serve their sentences according to established rules and procedures. He shared these views on the Rai Radio 1 program Un Giorno da Pecora. Nordio mentioned that opposition members had labeled Almasri a “torturer” following his controversial release on January 22 and subsequent return to Libya on a secret services plane, despite the faulty arrest warrant issued by the ICC.

Nordio highlighted that adhering to criteria that bypass due process would undermine the legitimacy of international tribunals, much like how the Nuremberg trials operated under strict adherence to legal procedures. He argued that punishing a torturer without respecting due process would delegitimize international tribunals.

In a Parliamentary address on Wednesday, Nordio criticized Interpol for delivering the warrant against Almasri informally and without an extradition request. He further noted that the ICC warrant was nullified due to several errors, including incorrect dates of alleged crimes.

When asked about a reported probe by the International Criminal Court against the Italian government, based on a criminal complaint filed by a refugee who claims to be a victim of Almasri, Nordio stated that “everybody in this world is investigating a bit of everything” and expressed his “confidence in human justice.”