Tribunal Drops Case Against Italian Ministers Over Libyan General’s Release

Rome: A ministerial court in Italy has dismissed a case involving Justice Minister Carlo Nordio, Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi, and Cabinet Secretary Alfredo Mantovano. The case was related to the controversial arrest and subsequent release of Njeem Osama Almasri, a Libyan general accused of crimes against humanity.

According to Ansa News Agency, the tribunal’s decision followed the Lower House’s refusal to approve a trial for the three officials. The parliamentary vote, which showcased the government’s majority support, resulted in a more than two-to-one margin against the tribunal’s request, with some opposition lawmakers siding with the government.

The Rome Tribunal of Ministers had initially sought parliamentary approval to prosecute Nordio, Piantedosi, and Mantovano. This was in connection with Almasri’s arrest, executed under an International Criminal Court (ICC) warrant in Turin on January 19, and his swift return to Tripoli on January 21 after being released on a technicality by a Rome appeals court.

Almasri, who was dismissed as the head of Libya’s judicial police in September amid efforts to improve Libya’s human rights record, faces allegations of torture, rape, and murder linked to his tenure at a detention center in Tripoli. His release was ordered when Nordio failed to respond to the appeals court’s inquiry regarding the arrest’s legitimacy.

The Tribunal of Ministers claimed that the Italian officials facilitated Almasri’s release due to concerns over possible retaliations against Italian citizens and interests in Libya if he were handed over to the ICC. The charges against the officials included aiding Almasri’s return and failing to fulfill their duties.

Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni had been informed in August that charges against her concerning Almasri’s release were dropped. She defended her cabinet members, criticizing the court’s attempt to prosecute Nordio, Piantedosi, and Mantovano, while excluding her, noting that governmental decisions are collective.

Angela Maria Bitonti, representing an Ivorian victim of Almasri’s alleged torture, has filed a petition contesting the decision to dismiss the case against Meloni. Reports indicate that Almasri has been replaced by General Suleiman Ajaj in his role, as part of a strategic reorganization led by General Abdul Fattah Dubub to restore Libya’s international reputation after the allegations against Almasri.

Meloni’s Brothers of Italy (FdI) party has defended the actions of the ministers and the cabinet secretary, asserting that their decisions were in alignment with Italian state interests. Piantedosi stated that Almasri’s release and repatriation were necessary as he posed a significant threat.