After allowing Libya’s warlord leader Osama Al-Masri to return to Libya, the International Criminal Court (ICC) reminded Italy of its obligation to fully cooperate. Al-Masri faces allegations of murder, rape, and torture.
Italy arrested Al-Masri following an ICC warrant for war crimes and crimes against humanity. However, citing “technical reasons,” Italy released him, drawing criticism against Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and her government.
The ICC, based in The Hague, Netherlands, expressed clear dissatisfaction in its diplomatic response, emphasizing that Italy is obligated to fully cooperate. The court awaits detailed information from Rome on the matter.
Who is Osama Al-Masri?
Osama Al-Masri, also known as Osama Anizem, is accused of leading the Tripoli branch of a notorious detention center network operated by Libya’s government-backed special defense forces called the Libyan Rehabilitation and Recovery Authority.
Al-Masri was arrested on Sunday in Turin while attending a football match between Juventus and AC Milan. Just a day before, the ICC issued a warrant against him for war crimes and crimes against humanity committed in Libya’s Mitiga prison since 2015. These crimes include murder, torture, rape, and sexual violence, carrying a potential life sentence if proven.
On Saturday, the ICC shared the arrest warrant with its member states, including Italy, and informed border entry points across Europe.
However, citing “procedural errors,” an appeals court in Rome ordered Al-Masri’s release on Tuesday. Italy’s secret service then facilitated his return to Libya via a private plane.
Blow to victims
The appeals court ruled that Italy’s Justice Minister Carlo Nordio should have been informed prior to the arrest since his ministry is responsible for all ICC communications. Human rights groups criticized Italy for releasing Al-Masri.
Esther Major, Deputy Director of Amnesty International’s Europe Research Department, called the decision a “blow to victims, survivors, and international justice,” adding that it missed an opportunity to break Libya’s cycle of impunity.
Italy has strong ties with Libya’s internationally recognized government in Tripoli, relying heavily on Libya’s coast guard to patrol the Mediterranean and prevent migrants from crossing the sea.
This ICC case against Al-Masri may reignite global focus on Italy’s immigration policies and its collaboration with Libya’s coast guard. Numerous incidents of severe abuse against migrants in Libyan detention centers have been documented by human rights organizations, which also allege Italy’s complicity.
