Italy Deports Libyan Warlord Sought by International Criminal Court

Italy’s Interior Minister, Matteo Piantedosi, has announced the repatriation of Libyan warlord Ossama Anjiem, also known as Ossama al-Masri, to Tripoli due to “urgent security reasons.” Al-Masri is sought by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for war crimes and crimes against humanity, including murder, torture, and rape committed at the Mitiga prison in Libya since 2015. Instead of handing him over to the ICC, Italy expelled him, leading to his release by Rome’s court of appeals due to a procedural error. Upon his return to Libya, al-Masri received a hero’s welcome. Opposition lawmakers in Italy have criticized the government for not adhering to ICC obligations and are demanding further explanations from Premier Giorgia Meloni. This decision highlights the complex relationship between Italy and Libya, especially concerning migration issues.